Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a monoamine neurotransmitter and hormone that carries chemical messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body
. It plays a crucial role in regulating many physiological and psychological functions. Key functions of serotonin include:
- Mood regulation: Serotonin influences feelings of happiness, anxiety, and overall emotional well-being. It is often called the body's natural "feel-good" chemical
- Sleep: It helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and transitions between sleep stages
- Digestion: About 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, where it controls intestinal movements and bowel function
- Blood clotting and wound healing: Serotonin stored in blood platelets is released to promote clotting and healing after injury
- Appetite and sexual behavior: It influences hunger signals and sexual desire
- Other roles: Serotonin also affects learning, memory, temperature regulation, nausea, bone health, and vascular functions like vasoconstriction and vasodilation
Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan and is found mostly in the gut, brainstem, blood platelets, and other tissues
. Imbalances in serotonin levels are linked to various health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and mania
. In summary, serotonin is a vital chemical messenger that helps coordinate a wide range of bodily functions, especially mood, digestion, and sleep
