What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your serotonin levels mean for your mood, sleep quality, and overall well-being. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, or whether you should follow up with a specialist for further evaluation. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your serotonin levels over time using our trends feature to see how your interventions are working.

When will I get my results?

Your serotonin test results are typically available within 6 business days after your blood sample reaches the lab. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready to view in your secure online account, along with easy-to-understand doctor notes explaining what your levels mean.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is recommended for people experiencing persistent mood changes, depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances that haven't improved with lifestyle changes. It's also important for those with unexplained symptoms like facial flushing, chronic diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, or abdominal pain that could indicate carcinoid syndrome. Anyone with a family history of carcinoid tumors or certain endocrine conditions should also consider testing.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include persistent mood swings, feeling constantly tired despite adequate sleep, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and changes in appetite. Other signs include unexplained facial flushing or redness, chronic diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, wheezing or breathing difficulties, and unexplained weight loss. If you're experiencing several of these symptoms together, especially the flushing and digestive issues, this test can help identify the cause.

How can I naturally support healthy serotonin levels?

Regular exercise, especially outdoor activities in sunlight, can boost serotonin production naturally. Eating foods rich in tryptophan (the building block of serotonin) like turkey, eggs, cheese, salmon, nuts, and seeds can help. Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep, practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, and maintaining strong social connections all support healthy serotonin balance. Limiting alcohol and processed foods is also beneficial.

What does high serotonin mean?

Elevated serotonin levels may indicate carcinoid syndrome, where tumors in the digestive system or lungs produce excess serotonin, causing symptoms like flushing, diarrhea, and heart issues. High levels can also rarely occur with certain medications (like some antidepressants when combined) causing serotonin syndrome. If your levels are high, your doctor will likely recommend additional imaging or tests to identify the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment.

What does low serotonin mean?

Low serotonin levels are often associated with depression, anxiety, poor sleep quality, and low energy. You might experience persistent sadness, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, or social withdrawal. While blood serotonin levels don't always perfectly reflect brain serotonin, consistently low levels combined with mood symptoms may warrant discussion with your doctor about treatment options, which could include lifestyle changes, therapy, or medication.