Serotonin supplements

[sobs1962]

Anyone out there ever taken a serotonin supplement. I'm convinced the reason my depression is treatment resistant is because my body isn't making any where near enough serotonin and apparently most of it is made in your gut and those of us with hypothyroidism know that our guts are bad at absorbing the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to keep us functioning properly, due to low stomach acid. I've tried SSRI medications , different strengths and brands, but to no avail. I just wondered if anyone has actually tried using supplements to boost their serotonin levels or whether those in this community think it's a good idea to or not. At the moment,I'm not capable of having any positive thoughts at all,only negative and I'm sure my nearest and dearest are beyond fed up with it all. I am so depressed but have been eating a lot of sugar lately to try and boost my mood but only works temporarily and apparently is bad for both your physical and mental health. I'm beginning to feel desperate and overwhelmed by everything life is throwing at me and I don't much longer I can carry on or want to carry on. Any help would be massively appreciated.

[greygoose]

If your depression is caused by low T3, then it will be treatment resistant. Have you had your FT3 tested lately?

[sobs1962 in reply to greygoose]

The last time my FT3 was tested was on 13/01/21 and was5.7 on a range of 3.6 - 6.4. I have spoken to my endo since and he is happy for me to continue on 100mcg levo daily but concerned about my suppressed TSH and says it can't stay that way as osteoporosis is the likely outcome. What I've read on here gives me no reason to believe he's right and there is no evidence that this is the case unless a person is hyper not hypo and he says they will reduce my levo if my TSH stays suppressed but my GP apparently has no authority to request Ft3 test and only a consultant endo has this authority, which I don't believe. I am not in a position financially to have private blood tests done and they cannot say I'm overmedicated unless they test my ft3.

It would appear here is another endo with very little or outdated knowledge of thyroid diseases. If I could afford to go private, I would but it appears I just have to keep struggling as the NHS doesn't appear to have the knowledge necessary to help those of us who suffer daily with this horrible disease.

[greygoose in reply to sobs1962]

That is all very true. Not only do they not have the knowledge, but they don't have the desire to have the knowledge. They really don't care. But, the thing is, if your depression is caused by hypo, then serotonin supplements are unlikely to help.

[Serendipitious]

Might be tricky but try to balance your blood sugar first. Have protein with every meal. Try and get lots of vitamins and minerals through eating vegetables and some fruit. Eat the rainbow. A good diet is essential as it will contain the building blocks for our hormones and neurotransmitters. Plus our gut health. Fibre balances and stabilises blood sugar. Fluctuating blood sugar produces a stress response from the adrenals to stabilise your blood sugar and can cause issues with our mood and ultimately our mental health, it’s a vicious circle. Use whatever tools you can try to relax before trying to use the sticking plaster approach of trying to boost serotonin. If it’s a nice warm bath, some chamomile tea, relaxing massage, early to bed. Whatever works for you. Also be kind to yourself. Nobody is perfect.

[jacobite33]

Morning Sobs1962 I buy a jar of £3.30 organic honey now and add a spoonful to hot water and sip slowly.I read it supposedly helps with blood sugar levels.The glycemic index is lower than sugar and it doesn’t raise your blood sugar levels as quickly or as much.I don’t even drink coffee or tea now because of it.Was hooked on coffee at one time and always has something with it be it biscuit or confiscating the nephews chocolate.Around 8 weeks back there I was not in a nice place but now I am doing a lot better with help/advice from these lovely people.my thoughts go out to you stay strong it will get better!