Signs of Dopamine Deficiency

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which is an important chemical substance found in the brain, according to MedlinePlus. Dopamine is responsible for the body’s voluntary movements including sleep, appetite, attention and working memory. It also plays a role in behavior, cognition and prolactin formation; prolactin is a hormone that influences sexual satisfaction and a woman’s milk production. Dopamine is available as an oral drug or intravenous medication, which can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. There are several signs of a dopamine deficiency.

Decreased Libido

According to the Hormone Foundation, an organization supported by the National Institutes of Health, decreased libido and loss of sexual drive are among the signs of dopamine deficiency. Decreased libido is a sexual dysfunction that is characterized by the lack or absence of arousal from a sexual stimulant. Dopamine as a neurotransmitter, acts on the sympathetic nervous system, the part of the body responsible for increased libido, aggression and desire. When dopamine levels decrease, these effects can be affected.

Tremors

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Tremors can occur as a result of dopamine deficiency, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke. Tremors are unintentional trembling or shaking of certain body parts. Dopamine is one of the brain chemicals that influences physical movement and muscle coordination. Patients with low dopamine levels usually experience tremors in the face, jaw, hands, arms and legs.

Postural Instability

Postural instability is among the signs of dopamine deficiency, states the National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke. Postural instability or impaired balance and coordination occur when the patient has difficulty maintaining a stationary upright position. This impairment also makes the patient feel unsteady when doing simple activities such as standing, walking and running. Dopamine acts on the brain to allow individuals create smooth movement coordination; when dopamine is decreased, a loss of voluntary movement occurs.

Weight Gain

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Weight gain is one of the signs of dopamine deficiency, according to MedlinePlus. Dopamine plays a significant role in the body’s cognitive functions and appetite by acting on the frontal lobe section of the brain. Dopamine has the responsibility of controlling the waves of information from other brain areas such as telling the individual to stop eating once full. A less than normal dopamine levels can alter appetite causing weight gain. Weight gain can occur gradually or abruptly depending on the level of dopamine deficiency.