Dopamine-Frenchie-MSN

[Moderator]

From: Frenchie232 (Original Message) Sent: 7/17/2003
3:27 AM

Thanks to Fawn, I'm starting a BE program for myself that includes massage with EPO (and HBA when it arrives) to increase prolactin (and add estrogen), use of a heat pack (to increase circulation) and increase of overall fat intake. Pretty basic, I think!
Only problem is, I have to work on blocking dopamine.
Now, I have heard that 5-htp (supplement used for depression/anxiety) blocks dopamine, effectively increasing the effect of serotonin in the body (decreasing depression in other words). So blocking dopamine would kill two birds with one stone - increase effects of serotonin (make us happy!) and help with BE (which we all want!)... One problem is, I'm not sure if 5-htp actually does block dopamine, I have only heard this. Does anyone know? Because I am considering taking it again (it did wonders for my anxiety/depression) and was hoping that it could help with my BE routine aswell!?

What do we all think...?

And Fawn... you're a life saver! I'm so glad you're here to help us 'coz I have a feeling your advice is going to really help!

Frenchie xox

[Moderator]

From: fawnmarie42 Sent: 7/17/2003 11:48 AM

Frenchie,

EPO isn't particularly estrogenic. I am still looking into that.

Heat also helps convert testosterone to estrogen by keeping the aromatase enzyme active. Aromatase needs a higher temp to work properly.

I have not heard that 5-htp blocks dopamine, or that seratonin itself has much effect on dopamine. Dopamine itself is a happy-chemical, one that gets you excited and happy. Seratonin is much more - "mellow" hormone, but also a happy-hormone - just happy in a different way than dopamine. They do not directly oppose each other.

From what I've seen the only medication I know of the "blocks" dopamine receptors is wellbutrin. One of the ways that wellbutrin works for smokers is that nicotine increases dopamine, which is in itself a kind of high - all this extra dopamine. Wellbutrin reduces the amount of dopamine one can "absorb" and this makes smoking less chemically rewarding. Once the addiction to one's own dopamine is gotten rid of, it's easier to address the addiction to nicotine. (Which also fills cholergenic receptors, which is a different neurochemical).

Kava kava and alcohol both decrease the amount of dopamine produced.

I don't know about 5-htp, but it's easily researched. I've generally gone for St. Johns Wort for seratonin, as it is more affordable and works fine for me.

Let us know what you find.

fawn

[Moderator]

From: Frenchie232 Sent: 7/17/2003 7:17 PM

Thanks Fawn!!! Feelin' a bit sheepish about not having done my research!
So now perhaps I should take kava kava to reduce dopamine?
I did an EPO massage and heat pack last night and my breasts are SO tender today! Not sore, but tender. They even felt sensitive as I was laying in bed when my clothes brushed against them! Strange! Hope it's a good sign....

Thanks again Fawn!

Frenchie xox