Serotonin
Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a hormone found in the human body. It is secreted from enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract and the serotonergic neurons in the brain. Serotonin is classified as an amine hormone.
Secretion and Production
Serotonin is produced in and secreted from the enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract. It is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. After production, serotonin is secreted into the blood stream.
Serotonin has many effects on the human body. It is believed to play an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep, vomiting, sexuality, and appetite. Serotonin has been thought to play a part in many disorders, notably as part of the biochemistry of depression, migraine, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. Recent research suggests that serotonin also plays an important role in liver regeneration. Additionally, it induces cell division throughout the body.
Pharmacological Uses
Synthetic serotonin has several common uses:
Psychological Disorders
Low levels of serotonin are commonly associated with many different psychological disorders. Synthetic serotonin is commonly used to raise serotonin levels in people suffering with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Additionally, it is commonly used to treat obesity caused by depression and poor impulse control.
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
Serotonin is commonly used to treat symptoms associated with PMS, including moodiness, food cravings, and irritability.
Eating Disorders
Synthetic serotonin is commonly used to treat eating disorders that are caused by both depression and poor impulse control, most commonly bulimia and binge eating.
Migraine
Studies have shown that migraine headaches are associated with low serotonin levels. Therefore, some people with migraines are treated with synthetic serotonin.
Insomnia
Insomnia is also associated with low levels of serotonin. Synthetic serotonin has been shown to promote sleep in some people who suffer with insomnia.