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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Hormones

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that may influence mood, sleep, and appetite. For women, serotonin levels can fluctuate with hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, potentially affecting emotional well-being and comfort.

Reference Ranges

Female
umol/l
Low 0.28 Normal 1.14 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

This test measures the level of serotonin in your blood, reported in umol/l. Blood serotonin levels may reflect overall serotonin production, though they do not directly measure brain serotonin activity. Your healthcare provider can provide context.

Why It Matters

Women may experience serotonin fluctuations related to hormonal cycles, pregnancy, or menopause. Understanding your serotonin levels could help you and your healthcare provider address mood changes, sleep issues, or premenstrual symptoms more effectively.

When to Test

Testing may be considered when experiencing persistent mood changes, unexplained sleep disturbances, or digestive irregularities. Some healthcare providers may recommend serotonin testing as part of a broader evaluation of neurotransmitter or hormonal function.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Some people with low serotonin levels may experience low mood, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, increased appetite for carbohydrates, or irritability. Low serotonin could potentially be associated with reduced feelings of well-being over time.

High Levels

Some people with elevated serotonin levels may experience restlessness, rapid heart rate, diarrhea, or muscle twitching. Significantly elevated levels could potentially indicate serotonin syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention.

Lifestyle Tips

Regular physical activity, adequate sunlight exposure, and a balanced diet rich in tryptophan-containing foods may support healthy serotonin levels. Stress management techniques could also be beneficial. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a blood serotonin test measure?
A blood serotonin test measures the amount of serotonin circulating in your bloodstream, reported in umol/l. Most blood serotonin is found in platelets. This test may not directly reflect brain serotonin levels, so discuss interpretation with your healthcare provider.
Can diet influence serotonin levels?
Certain foods containing tryptophan, such as turkey, eggs, nuts, and seeds, may support serotonin production. A balanced diet with adequate protein and complex carbohydrates could help maintain healthy levels. Your healthcare provider can offer dietary guidance.
Is serotonin only related to mood?
While serotonin is often associated with mood regulation, it also plays roles in sleep, appetite, digestion, and blood clotting. Approximately 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, highlighting its broader physiological significance beyond mood.