Serotonin: More than the "happy" hormone

Serotonin is a hormone that is made and released by cells in both the brain and the gut. It's sometimes referred to as the "happy" hormone because serotonin produced in the brain helps regulate mood. But serotonin made in the gut plays an important role in other bodily functions, including bowel movements.

Too much of a good thing

In people with Carcinoid Syndrome, serotonin levels can be greater than 5 times the average. An overproduction of serotonin by neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cells can lead to diarrhea, flushing, wheezing, fibrosis, and carcinoid heart disease among other effects.

Let's focus on one of the most common and life-disrupting symptoms of excess serotonin, Carcinoid Syndrome diarrhea. Over time, too much serotonin increases the amount of fluid in the gut. It also speeds up the function of the gut, which causes frequent, or unpredictable diarrhea. Even with somatostatin analog (SSA) treatment, some patients with Carcinoid Syndrome continue to experience diarrhea.

Controlling serotonin may mean fewer "eruptions"

You know how diarrhea can feel a bit...sudden? Kind of like when a volcano erupts? In a volcano, when too much molten rock turns into lava, it rises to the surface and erupts. In your body, excess serotonin can have the same effect. Controlling serotonin levels may be key to avoiding frequent diarrhea.

Speak up about serotonin and Carcinoid Syndrome diarrhea

There are other factors that can lead to Carcinoid Syndrome diarrhea, although higher serotonin levels normally play a role. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether too much serotonin could be the cause of your Carcinoid Syndrome diarrhea.