ParentsThe hormone dopamine is a neurotransmitter produced in the brain. Essentially, this hormone acts as a chemical messenger between neurons.
Dopamine is released when the brain expects a reward orreward. Reporting from Healthline ,When someone does an activity that results in pleasure, dopamine hormone levels will increase.
So, this time, we will discuss some interesting facts about this hormone. Check out the complete summary below, come on!
Various Facts About the Dopamine Hormone
1. Dopamine hormone increases when doing enjoyable activities.
There are several things that can increase this hormone, namely sex, shopping, or other activities that someone might enjoy.
For example, when someone enjoys a favorite food, such as cake or other sweet treats, dopamine levels can even increase just by smelling the cake. When someone eats the cake, dopamine levels will increase even further.
When someone acts in this state, they typically desire future satisfaction or pleasure. This cycle is a cycle of motivation, reward, and reinforcement.
When someone wants something that gives pleasure but is not fulfilled, one will usually want it twice as much.
2. Involved in Various Body Functions
Besides providing pleasure, dopamine is involved in many bodily functions. These include:
- blood flow
- digestion
- executive functions
- heart and kidney function
- memory and focus
- mood and emotions
- motor control
- pain management
- pancreatic function and insulin regulation
- pleasure-seeking and reward-seeking behavior
- Sleep
- stress response
However, it’s important to remember that dopamine doesn’t work alone. This hormone works with other neurotransmitters and hormones, such as serotonin and adrenaline. Various environmental factors also influence a person’s physical and psychological well-being.
3. How the Dopamine Hormone Works
The right amount of dopamine typically corresponds to a fairly good mood. This is ideal for learning, planning, and productivity. Dopamine contributes to feelings of:
- vigilance
- focus
- motivation
- happiness
Increased dopamine can produce a temporary feeling of euphoria.
4. Signs of Dopamine Hormone Deficiency
Low dopamine is one reason someone has a bad mood. You may experience some of the following symptoms:
- decreased alertness
- difficulty concentrating
- lack of motivation and enthusiasm
- poor coordination
- difficulty moving
5. Lack of Sleep Can Lower Dopamine Levels
Lack of dopamine can make a person sleepy and lower a person’s dopamine.
A study published in 2012 entitled “Evidence That Sleep Deprivation Downregulates Dopamine D2R in Ventral Striatum in the Human Brain” showed that sleep deprivation can cause a marked decrease in dopamine receptor availability in the morning.
6. Causes of Low Dopamine Levels
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Some conditions that may be associated with low dopamine are:
- Parkinson’s disease ; symptoms include tremors, slowed movements, and sometimes psychosis.
- Depression ; symptoms include sadness, sleep problems, and cognitive changes.
- Dopamine transporter deficiency syndrome ; also known as infantile parkinsonism-dystonia, this condition causes movement disorders similar to Parkinson’s disease.
7. Too Much Dopamine Can Also Be Dangerous
Very high dopamine levels can make a person feel like they are on top of the world, at least for a while.
This can also cause a person to experienceoverdriveSerious problems. In addition, too much dopamine can also cause the following:
- feeling overly happy
- hallucinations
- delusion
- obesity
- addicted
- schizophrenia
These are some facts about the hormone dopamine. In general, this hormone makes a person feel happy, and it’s usually triggered by various pleasurable activities, such as sex, sweet foods, and so on. However, it’s important to remember that dopamine levels must be balanced, as excessive levels can negatively impact a person’s well-being.