Because serotonin has a profound effect on the central nervous system and also on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, low levels of serotonin can cause some very serious effects.
The symptoms of low serotonin levels can be classified under two headings: physical and emotional.
Physical Symptoms of Low Serotonin Levels
- Chronic, persistent fatigue – this happens even though the sufferer is fully rested and is inactive most of the time
- Sleep Disorders – although quick to fall asleep, the sufferer has trouble sleeping soundly due to anxiety and even restless leg syndrome
- Loss of appetite and craving for carbohydrate – the sufferer may lose interest even in eating but also crave carbohydrates as the body tries to restart serotonin production by causing spikes in insulin production. This may lead to weight gain
- Hot flushes and fluctuating body temperature – these are caused by the interplay of neurotransmitters trying to compensate for serotonin at serotonin receptors especially in the hypothalamus
- Migraine and headaches – these are caused by metabolic disorders caused by low serotonin levels
- Gastrointestinal pain – this is caused by the reduced gastrointestinal movement caused by low secretion of serotonin by enterochromaffin cells in the gut
Emotional Symptoms of Low Serotonin Levels
- Emotional numbness and social withdrawal – sufferers lose interest in social engagements and experience dour moods
- Depression – this is the classic sign of low serotonin levels and the reason drugs such as SSRIs that increase serotonin levels are used as antidepressants
- Increased emotional sensitivity – this can present as low self-confidence, low self-esteem and low threshold to taking offence. This leads to sudden crying spells and bouts of sadness
- Loss of interest in sexual activities and irritability
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
P.S. This article aims to raise awareness of the topic and is for reference only. Please consult the specialist if needed.
Source: http://www.progressivehealth.com/low-serotonin-symptoms.htm