Numerous are the times when we blame our hormones for our emotions, and in a way, that is true. Hormones are powerful natural chemical compounds involved in many important processes in our body, but through our actions, we can enhance their secretion.
Known as "the happiness quartet", endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin are involved in biological processes that trigger the feeling of happiness and are intrinsically linked to our genetic profiles, thus influencing how each person experiences this feeling of joy.
The four happiness hormones and their function
Endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin are four natural chemicals (hormones) known as "the happiness quartet." This name is given because these hormones are involved in biological processes that trigger the feeling of happiness.
Endorphins
The endorphins, often called the body's morphine, relieve pain, reduce stress, and produce a sense of well-being. Genetically, the efficiency with which we produce and process endorphins can vary significantly, affecting everything from our pain tolerance to our propensity for pleasure.
Certain variants of the POMC gene are associated with different levels of endorphin production. You can boost your endorphin levels by laughing, engaging in your favorite hobbies, and getting good sleep.
2. Serotonin
Serotonin, also known as the anti-depression hormone, is a neurotransmitter created from tryptophan (an amino acid).
A neurotransmitter is simply a molecule responsible for transmitting a signal from a sender neuron to a receiver neuron through a process known as synapse. The sender neuron produces neurotransmitter molecules and stores them in packets called vesicles. Upon receiving a stimulus, the neuron releases the contents of the vesicles (the neurotransmitters), which then bind to their receptors on the receiver neuron. For this reason, in ADNTRO's DNA tests, we analyze variants associated with serotonin receptors and the enzyme responsible for synthesizing serotonin from tryptophan.
Serotonin is crucial for maintaining the balance of our mood and regulating functions such as sleep and appetite. The absence of serotonin may be responsible for feelings of loneliness and depression. In fact, many antidepressant medications act on serotonin receptors in the brain (such as Fluoxetine, available in our pharmacogenetics section). Engaging in sports and exposing yourself to sunlight can increase your serotonin levels.
3. Dopamine
Dopamine, known as the pleasure hormone, is directly related to our reward and motivation system. However, it is more closely linked to motivation.
Dopamine is intrinsically related to the brain's reward system, a group of neural structures involved in desire, pleasure, reward, and the consolidation of memories related to satisfaction upon achieving something. For example, when you engage in an activity that fulfills a need or desire, such as eating your favorite food, your brain releases dopamine. This not only makes you feel good at that moment but also reinforces the behavior, motivating you to repeat the action.
In the ADNTRO genetic test, we rely on genetic variants associated with the number of dopamine receptors and the catalytic capacity of the COMT enzyme (which controls dopamine levels) to determine what your DNA says about your dopamine levels.
To increase your dopamine levels, it is important to learn to enjoy the little pleasures of life and set short-term goals.
4. Oxytocin
Oxytocin, known as the love or hug hormone, is one of the hormones that make up the "happiness quartet." It is involved in numerous human functions such as learning ability, contractions during childbirth, and social activity… ADNTRO's analysis focuses on oxytocin as a hormone involved in the feeling of happiness.
It is related to emotional bonds, trust, and love… There is a highly relevant gene called the OXTR gene (oxytocin receptor). After oxytocin is secreted, this neuropeptide must bind to its respective receptors to have an effect on our body. For this reason, our analysis is based on the presence or absence of genetic variants associated with oxytocin receptors.
Scientific studies have shown that administering this hormone increases generosity, trust, feelings of love and empathy, sexual arousal, and reduces stress. Likewise, studies conducted on mice lacking the gene that encodes the oxytocin receptor (the OXTR gene) demonstrate that these animals exhibit abnormal social and emotional behaviors.
The hormones of happiness and genetics
Stay tuned to the personality section and find out how your hormones of happiness are doing!
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