Dear Dr Milrod:

I have been diagnosed with a very low serotonin level which explains my propensity for migraines. Interestingly enough, Wake Forest Medical School conducted a study on low serotonin levels in men resulting in a significantly higher sex drive to the point of potential sexual addiction. I guess serotonin helps men balance the effects of testosterone in the body.

Do you have any  thoughts on this subject?

Curious Wabbit

Dear Curious Wabbit:

Yes, I’ve seen data like this before. I have no specific theory as to the male sex drive and low serotonin balancing the effects of testosterone in the body, although some researchers suggest that the aromatization of testosterone to estrogen impacts both serotonin transport and some brain receptors, which in turn play significant roles in emotion, memory, and cognition.

As to SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – medications like Zoloft, Prozac, etc.) in general, one of their well known side effects is diminished sex drive, orgasm difficulties, etc in both sexes. The SSRI’s block the too-rapid reuptake of serotonin in the brain, permitting more of this neurotransmitter to become available to the brain’s receptors. Conversely, a person with too much serotonin in the brain will become almost sedated and not very interested in sex. Some sensitive individuals can induce a temporary serotonin oversupply by simply eating a ton of complex carbs such as rice; for some, eating 4-5 bananas at a time will render them temporarily sleepy. Of course, bananas, potatoes and rice won’t help if you are clinically serotonin-deficient, but it’s a neat little confirming experiment.

For women suffering from PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of PMS,) an SSRI called Sarafem is often prescribed for about 14 days prior to menstruation. While “the crazies” often subside for these women on Sarafem, they also stop “being crazy” about sex.

Interestingly enough, I have had the occasional client who reported that his sex drive had never been as high as when he was diagnosed with depression. Clearly, everyone reacts differently. And I do hope your migraines go away.

Christine Milrod, PhD