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"Dopamine" vs. "Serotonin" - Learn About These Happy Hormones
"Dopamine" vs. "Serotonin" - Learn About These Happy Hormones
“Serotonin”: The
Difference Between These Happy
Hormones
November 9, 2020
Bright and breezy? You’ve got serotonin to thank. Gloomy and grumpy?
A big ol’ hug and a burst of oxytocin will perk you up.
Ebbing and flowing throughout the day in response to inner and outer
cues, they evolved and are designed to boost your moods while
fostering your general well-being.
What is dopamine?
Known by many names—the “feel-good” hormone, the habit-former, or
the motivational molecule—dopamine is perhaps the most well-known
chemical in the human body.
The word dopamine, first recorded in the 1950s, is a blend of dopa (an
amino acid it is formed from) and amine (an organic compound derived
from ammonia).
But there’s a downside to it: its highly addictive nature. You guessed it.
Dopamine is what keeps you coming back for more. In charge of your
gratification-seeking compass, it points you to any activities and
behaviors that can get you in the zone. Over and over again. And high
dopamine levels are far from desirable when overeating, gambling,
drinking, or taking drugs happen to be on the list.
:
What is oxytocin?
Ever notice that huggers tend to be happy people? It’s the oxytocin
buzz.
The word oxytocin, which first appeared in the 1920s, has its roots in
the Greek oxutokia, meaning “sudden delivery.” It combines
oxýs (“sharp”) and tókos (“childbirth”). Not a coincidence.
But that’s not all. “The love hormone” (as it’s popularly known)
improves immunity and calms the nervous system, regulating stress
responses. And, according to the latest research, it could even
stimulate wound healing and muscle health. A hug may go a long way!
What is serotonin?
Serotonin either makes you agreeable and friendly or cranky and
unpleasant to be around if you have low levels of serotonin.
The term serotonin was coined in 1945–50 from the Latin serum,
:
meaning “watery fluid,” and the Greek tonikos meaning, in its broadest
sense, “an invigorating medicine.”
Mostly made in the gut (a.k.a. your second brain) serotonin is produced
from the essential amino acid tryptophan that, not being synthesized
by the body, must be supplied through the diet. Apart from aiding in
memory and learning abilities, digestion and metabolism, appetite, and
sleep-wake cycles, serotonin is widely known as a powerful
antidepressant and a mood regulator.
Endorphins derive their name from two other words squished together:
endogenous, which means “derived from within,” and morphine, an
addictive pain reliever and sedative.
By the way, no worries if running is not your thing. You can still get your
shot of endorphins! Deep belly laughs—the kind that engages your
core like you’re doing sit-ups—will do the trick too.
Dopamine and serotonin frequently get confused with each other. You
may think it’s dopamine rushing through your veins, but rather it is
serotonin you are merrily bathing in. (Not a big issue. They both make
you happy.)
Here are a few rules of thumb to help you navigate the maze.
You spend time with someone you are attracted to or you care about,
you hug or kiss a loved one (even a pet will do!), you cuddle a newborn
baby, you hold your significant other’s hand, or you gaze into each
other’s eyes. Warm fuzzies will soon fill you up, and presto, the “love
hormone” will make you feel butterflies in your stomach.
So, keep those chemicals flowing. Get your daily D.O.S.E and live
happily ever after. You are physically and chemically geared toward
it. Nature is on your side.