Certain health conditions includingdepressioncan arise due to imbalances in the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your body.
Medications, as well as lifestyle changes like exercise and stress management, can help to regulate these levels.
This article discusses serotonin and dopamine functions, as well as the similarities and differences between these two neurotransmitters.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
What Are Serotonin and Dopamine?
Dopamine
Dopamineis made in the base of your brain through a two-step process.
An amino acid calledtyrosineis first made into another amino acid called L-dopa, which is then made into dopamine.
Dopamine is known as the pleasure neurotransmitter.
It also helps you pay attention and learn new information.
Dopamine has lesser-known functions as well.
Some of these effects are similar.
For example, low serotonin and low dopamine can both lead to depression.
However, some of the effects are different.
Causes of Serotonin and Dopamine Imbalance
Serotonin and dopamine deficiencies can occur for a variety of reasons.
Your body might not make enough of these neurotransmitters or be able to respond to them appropriately.
Certain medications can affect levels of serotonin and dopamine as well.
However, dopamine also affects the muscles, while serotonin does not.
In severe cases, it can lead tosuicidal thoughts.
Both serotonin and dopamine play a role in depression.
Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter associated with depression.
Low levels of dopamine can also contribute to depression.
Impact on Digestion
Neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, are important for gut health.
Serotonin is best known for its impact on mental health.
Too much serotonin can contribute to GI disorders, such asirritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Too little serotonin can cause constipation.
Unlike serotonin, most dopamine is made in your brain.
In the digestive tract, a low amount of dopamine increases blood flow and helps your intestines absorb electrolytes.
Impact on Sleep
Serotonin and dopamine affect your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Serotonin can both help and interfere with sleep.
It is needed for your body to makemelatoninthe main hormone involved in sleep.
However, too much serotonin can also interfere with your ability to getrapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
This stage of sleep is important for brain health.
Dopamine helps your brain know when it’s time to be alert and stop melatonin production.
Symptoms include:
Dopamine levels that are too high can also cause unwanted side effects.
Increasing Levels of Serotonin and Dopamine
Medications are often used toboost serotoninand dopamine levels in the body.
However, there are several ways that you might boost levels naturally, too.
Natural Boosts
Medication
Certain medications can help to boost serotonin and dopamine levels synthetically.
Summary
Serotonin and dopamine are two important neurotransmitters that affect mental health.
They also are important for gut health.
Dopamine also affects the muscles, and low levels can cause tremors and difficulties with coordination.
Dopamine does not directly impact mood, but can affect motivation and feelings of pleasure.
A dopamine deficiency can also cause tremors, muscle cramps, and difficulty with balance.
Serotonin and dopamine work together to provide a chemical balance in the brain and other parts of the body.
This balance helps maintain mental health and improve digestion and sleep.
Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids can help boost serotonin levels.
Examples include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, nuts, seeds, and plant oils.
Using cannabis can stimulate your brain to release more serotonin.
Using cannabis can cause your brain to release more dopamine.
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