5-HTP Supplement

Hi All,

I've recently started taking 5-HTP supplements as I had been battling with poor sleep, sugar craving in the evenings (I don't have a sweet tooth!!), periods were all over the place, early symptoms of fibromyalgia, tension headaches, anxiety and general feeling of malaise. I still had the winter blues and needed a general pick me up. I also visited a dietician for some diet advice and went home to try and put it all together. Here's what I discovered:

1. Eating 1200 calories per day, in the long term, causes me to gain weight. I have small successes but 1500 per day is better suited to me.
2. General Practitioners, as a rule, do not test for low serotonin levels. All my symptoms were pointing towards low levels! (Keep in mind this is self diagnosis here!!!)
3. 5-HTP works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. Serotonin is the HAPPY HORMONE! (It's also an appetite suppressant!!!)
4. 5-HTP cannot be bought over the counter in Ireland. Like St Johns Wart, the Medical Council lobbied for 5-HTP to no longer be sold over the counter. Prescription only!!! Luckily, it's not illegal to import from UK so have been able to buy online for pretty good prices. There are some pretty dodgy brands but after a lot of research, reading reviews and generally "digging" online, I decided on Health Spark.

So, here's how it went. I started taking 100mg of 5-HTP at bedtime. This gave me cramps. The packaging said to take on an empty tummy at bedtime but after reading other people experiences and some online doctor's suggestion, it's better to take on a full stomach, preferably after dinner in the evening. I take 325mg of Iron in the morning and throughout the day I take a Vitamin B complex supplement and Evening Primrose. Within 72 hours I was sleeping through the night. A first in .......................... well I can't remember!!! I feel less anxious and my sugar cravings are zero. My winters blues are gone, my periods are beginning to come back in line and I've noticed a marked reduction in tension headaches. I'm not taking 100mg with breakfast and 100mg with dinner. The recommendation is to take the 200mg for 6 weeks and then reduce back to 100mg. Increase again at the beginning of winter and play by ear.

I can't tell you how much this has changed my everyday life. I'm feeling more positive, I'm beginning to look to the future in a far more positive light, I'm not as "snappy" and for the first time in a very long time........................... I don't feel completely bonkers!!!! It's fair to say that I felt like I had a mild psychological issue but was too embarrassed or afraid to speak up. I was also worried that I was peri-menopausal (I'm 39) but blood test had ruled that out (for now!!)

I would be very interested to hear from anyone else that has used 5-HTP and how things worked out. I may be just in the honeymoon phase but I hope not. I'm hoping I've found the cause of all the crappy health issues I've had over the years!!!