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Happiness Hormones

 


  Have you ever heard about D.O.S.E hormones? Ok, before that have you ever heard about hormones? Some of you probably think that hormones are only estrogen and progesterone. Well, actually hormones are everywhere inside us. Hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood, which carries them to the organs and tissues of the body. 

  There are many types of hormones that act on different aspects of bodily functions and processes, such as body development and growth, metabolism of food items, and sexual function. So what are D.O.S.E hormones? D.O.S.E stands for Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphine hormones as known as happiness chemicals. Those hormones are produced inside our brains. Let's take a look closer at each hormone. 

  The first hormone is Dopamine. Some of you might have heard that dopamine is the "feel good" neurotransmitter. Actually, it is because dopamine is known as a reward chemical. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter made in the brain. Dopamine is responsible for allowing us to feel pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. When we feel good that we have achieved something, it's because we have a surge of dopamine in the brain. It's possible we can start craving more dopamine 'reward', including eating nice food, winning a game, and earning money. However, alcohol and illegal drugs are used to cause a surge of dopamine too, which is why people get addicted. 

  If we have low levels of dopamine, it can make us less motivated and excited about things. On the other hand, having too much dopamine in some parts of the brain is linked to being more competitive, aggressive, and having poor impulse control. It can lead to conditions that include ADHD, addiction, and gambling.

  The second hormone is Oxytocin, known as the love hormone. Oxytocin is a hormone made in our part of brains or the hypothalamus that causes feelings of love and closeness. Despite these mixed signals, oxytocin plays an undeniably important role in establishing and maintaining relationships. Released into our brains under the right circumstances, oxytocin has the power to regulate our emotional responses and pro-social behaviours. It is possible to increase oxytocin levels by cuddling or kissing the loved one, listening to favourite music often, and social bonding (talking, laughing, etc).

  If we have low oxytocin hormone, some scientists believe it has been linked to depressive symptoms and it has been proposed as a treatment for depressive disorders. On the other hand, the implications of having too much oxytocin are not clear. High levels have been linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition that affects the men's prostate over the age of 60. However, both are not enough evidence at present to support its use for any of these conditions. 

  The third hormone is Serotonin, known as a mood stabiliser. Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance that functions as a neurotransmitter to carry signals between nerve cells throughout our body. One of the key interests in serotonin, and its most well-known function is its effect on modulating mood. Serotonin is considered to be a natural mood stabiliser and when functioning normally, it is believed to help people with feeling happy, calm, focused, and emotionally stable. It is possible to increase serotonin levels by meditating, physical activity such as cycling, swimming and running.

  If we have low serotonin hormone, there are many symptoms that can be associated with low levels of this neurotransmitter such as poor appetite, anxiety feeling, aggression, and low self-esteem. Moreover, low levels of serotonin have been associated with some mental health conditions, such as mood disorders. As serotonin helps to regulate mood, people with low serotonin may have a low mood or a less stable mood without understanding why this is. On the other hand, if we have too much serotonin in the brain can result in a condition called serotonin syndrome. Some of the milder symptoms associated with serotonin syndromes such as confusion, rapid heart rate, and headaches. 

  The last hormone is Endorphin, known as a pain killer. Indeed, endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers, and they can boost our mood, too. Interestingly, the term endorphin comes from the words "endogenous" meaning from the body, and "morphine", of course, an opiate pain reliever. Endorphins are chemicals produced naturally by the nervous system to cope with pain or stress. They are often called "feel-good" chemicals. It is possible to increase endorphin levels that we can do by laughter, exercising, dancing, and even eating dark chocolate. 

  If we have low endorphin hormone, a person's health may be negatively affected. Some studies have shown a possible link between low endorphin levels and health problems, such as depression, problems with sleeping, and increase anxiety. On the other hand, high endorphin levels can lead to self-harm and exercise addiction. People who are doing self-harming because of the need to feel emotional release. Exercise addiction is another example that some researchers believe people can be addicted to exercise. They may exercise for hours every day, even at the expense of family time or work, in order to feel good. 

  Well mates, finally we are reaching the bottom line. We have to be grateful for how beautiful our brains could produce happiness without taking drugs. D.O.S.E hormones are the natural chemicals that make us happy. As long we are doing it right, the good life will be possible to create. Thank you for your time and as always be happy and have a nice day 😀. Cheers!!


References:

  1. Dr. Ananya Mandal, M. (2009) What are Hormones?, News-Medical.net. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Hormones.aspx.
  2. Dopamine (2022). Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dopamine.
  3. Dopamine (2022). Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/dopamine.
  4. Dopamine Effects on the Body, Plus Drug and Hormone Interactions (2022). Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/dopamine-effects.
  5. Oxytocin | You and Your Hormones from the Society for Endocrinology (2022). Available at: https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/oxytocin/.
  6. Rodriguez, J., 2021. What Is Oxytocin?. Available at: https://www.endocrineweb.com/oxytocin.
  7. Oxytocin: What It Is, How It Makes You Feel & Why It Matters (2022). Available at: https://www.psycom.net/oxytocin.
  8. Serotonin: Functions, Normal Range, Side Effects, and More (2022). Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/serotonin.
  9. What Is Serotonin and How Does It Regulate Bodily Functions? (2022). Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-serotonin-425327.
  10. What is Serotonin (2022) Simplypsychology.org. Available at: https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-serotonin.html.
  11. Endorphins: Functions, Levels, and Natural Boosts (2022). Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/endorphins.
  12. Endorphin release differs by exercise intensity, study finds (2022). Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319157.
  13. How to Increase Your Endorphins (2022). Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-endorphins-5025072.



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