Serotonin is also known by its scientific name 5-hydoxytryptamine, and is a chemical produced by the pineal gland in your brain. It is essential for the healthy functioning of your brain and nervous systems. However, certain factors can cause the levels of serotonin to become imbalanced, symptoms of which include uncomfortable skin sensations.
About Serotonin
Serotonin is found in your brain, intestinal tract and blood platelets, and is responsible for firing off nerve signals that control a variety of actions from your appetite and digestion, to your mood, sleeping patterns and body temperature, notes the University of Bristol School of Chemistry. It also helps restrict the blood vessels and promote blood clotting for wound healing.
Serotonin Imbalance
When the levels of serotonin get too high in your body, it can lead to a condition known as serotonin syndrome, common symptoms of which are skin conditions such as shivering and goose bumps, according to MayoClinic.com. At the other end of the spectrum is low serotonin, which is generally associated with changes in mood and energy levels, and a generally lackluster approach to life, says clinical psychologist Joseph Carver.
Causes
The main cause of serotonin syndrome is taking certain drugs -- such as antidepressants and some migraine and pain medications -- that stimulate the production of serotonin. This condition may arise from taking just one medication, but it's more common for it to be caused by certain combinations of drugs in the risk category. Some of the medications that can affect your serotonin levels can be bought over the counter, so you should always discuss combining medications with your doctor first -- particularly if you are taking antidepressants.
Common Symptoms
If you are suffering from serotonin syndrome -- that is, high serotonin levels -- some of the mild, skin-related symptoms you may experience are body temperature fluctuations that cause shivering, goose bumps and hot flashes. If the condition worsens, your symptoms may become more extreme and include feverish skin and sweating, as well as muscle rigidity and, in particularly severe cases, seizures. Low serotonin levels are often characterized by low self-esteem, lack of energy and appetite, and difficulty sleeping, says Dr. Carver.
Precautions
If left untreated and in severe cases, serotonin syndrome can be fatal; however, in most cases, it goes away soon after treating the underlying cause. But that does not mean that if you believe your condition is caused by certain medications, you should immediately stop taking them. If you are concerned that you have a serotonin-related condition, it is important that you speak to your doctor before going off or changing any medication you are on.
