Got some blood tests through a doctor friend (allergist) to check on some food sensitivities. He ran a serotonin level check (I forget why) and it came back high.
My results were 273. The reference range was not clear, but the results mention the Carcinoid Syndrome rage as being 500-3500ng/ml.
His office just sent mailed me the results and I can't catch up with him to get an explanation. I've Googled around and there's not much out there on high levels... only low.
I'm not on any meds that would raise it. Anyone else have this?
Thanks! CT
Posted by Shahbah (Member # 28735) on :
CT, what are your symptoms? I think high serotonin has the same effect as low...
Posted by karenl (Member # 17753) on :
If I remember it right the ref. range was up to over 200. So wait to get more details - before you start to worry.
Posted by Chronic Triathlete (Member # 15245) on :
Symptoms are mostly neuro, emo and gastro. Minor stiffness and occasional aches, but nothing too bad.
I'm not too worried about it, just looking for ideas until I can talk to my friend. I'm guessing it's probably nothing.
Thanks! .CT
Posted by cordor (Member # 9449) on :
I have had some abnormalities that have lead me to a Carcinoid Cancer (Neuroendocrine tumors) Specialist in NYC. Apparently High serotonin, Chromogranin-A and some others can be indications of carcinoid. It would be wise to get it checked out. The doc I saw is out of Mt. Sinai.
Posted by cordor (Member # 9449) on :
do you ever get flushing? redness and "heat". That is also a sign of carcinoid along with gastro probs.
Posted by Chronic Triathlete (Member # 15245) on :
Talked to my allergist doctor friend. He says that high serotonin levels is sometimes associated with celiac disease, which I have.
I don't get the flushing, heat or redness that's described with Carcinoid Cancer. My doc said that the other tests he ran (forget the names and dont have the results handy) more or less rule that out anyway.
Going to ask my LLMD about it next time I see him.
Thanks! CT
Posted by Jason21 (Member # 16393) on :
My serotonin levels were never tested, but I believe I had symptoms (mainly fractionated sleep) associated with high serotonin because when I was started on an SSRI years ago for IBS (before I was diagnosed and treated for LD and Bart), I actually felt better during the first 2 weeks, which is when the serotonin levels are supposedly lowered.
I slept great for the first 2 weeks. Once the SSRI kicked in 2 weeks later and started releasing serotonin at a higher rate, then my fractionated sleep came back.
I have been off LD abx for about 8 months (after 2 years of different abx combos) and feel about 100% except for problems staying asleep. My docs tried every sleep med out there without success.
I don't know if Bb or Bart cause a permanent affect in terms of serotonin levels, but what I do know is that I started on Remeron a couple of months ago and have been getting much better sleep.
Remeron supposedly can reduce serotonin levels. It also helps promote deep sleep, which a sleep study showed was my main problem.
I read one of your previous posts stating you are about 80% better. I was also stuck at about 80% for a long time because my Bart was not really treated until the last few months of my treatment. Once I did 6 months of Tindamax and Cipro, I think the Bart was finally knocked out.
What abx treatment have you had so far?
Posted by Chronic Triathlete (Member # 15245) on :
jason21... That's interesting. I've not had the chance to talk to my LLMD about this. The serotonin test came to me through another non-LLMD friend of mine.
I think that Bart is my problem still too. All of my symptoms fall under that category. I'm still about 80% (except for recent increase due to chelation. see other post). If/when I get back on abx that's what I'm going after.