Hormones in the Autistic Brain: A Delicate Balance

In the autistic brain, hormonal functioning is also noticeably different. Whether it’s the hormone itself being less present, the receptors being under- or oversensitive, or even the transporters behaving differently... the differences run deep and directly impact daily life.

Let’s take a stroll deep into your brain—exploring key reflections that may help rebalance this fragile chemistry.

Serotonin (5-HT): The So-Called "Happiness Hormone"

A simplification that is only partly accurate. In the autistic brain, serotonin levels can actually be higher in certain regions. However, the efficiency of the serotonin transporter (SERT) is often reduced. Put simply: you’re not lacking serotonin, but it circulates less effectively.

Serotonin is crucial for mood regulation, sleep, and social behaviour. Impaired transport can disrupt these functions, contributing to anxiety, sleep difficulties, and repetitive behaviours. Autistic individuals may also show reduced sensitivity to serotonin, affecting their responses to social stimuli.

What can help?

• Regular physical activity: Exercise boosts serotonin levels in the brain. Walking, swimming, and yoga can be especially beneficial.

• Tryptophan-rich foods: Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor of serotonin. Foods like turkey, eggs, nuts, seeds, and dairy are good sources. It’s best to get your tryptophan from food, as supplements have raised concerns about potential health risks.

• Natural light: Exposure to daylight stimulates serotonin production. Spending time outdoors, especially in the morning, can support regulation.

• Relaxation techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can lower stress and enhance serotonin production.

• Vitamin B supplements: Vitamins B6 and B12 are involved in serotonin synthesis. Supplements may help, but it’s best to consult a healthcare professional first. (Found in cheese, oily fish, fresh green vegetables, eggs...)

  
  

Dopamine

Let’s be clear: dopamine isn’t just something that appears when you scroll through Instagram or eat a second Kinder Bueno!

Autistic individuals may show anomalies in the dopaminergic system, such as hyperactivity or hypoactivity of D2 receptors. You might notice this in yourself—sometimes acting very quickly with lots of energy, and at other times needing an hour just to convince yourself to take a shower.

Dopamine is essential for motivation, reward, and movement. Dysfunction in this system may contribute to repetitive behaviours, restricted interests, and difficulties with focus. Abnormal dopamine levels may also affect emotional responses and decision-making.

What can help?

• Intense physical activity: High-intensity exercise like running or strength training can raise dopamine levels.

• Tyrosine-rich foods: Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine. Lean meats, fish, dairy, beans, and seeds are excellent sources.

• Listening to music: Enjoying music that brings you pleasure can elevate dopamine levels.

• Stimulating games and activities: Engaging in mentally challenging activities can activate the brain's reward system and boost dopamine.

• Vitamin D and magnesium supplements: Both play a role in dopamine production. Supplements can help but should be taken under professional supervision.

  
  

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is famously involved in childbirth—which partly explains why many autistic individuals giving birth may require medical support to increase oxytocin levels.

Generally, autistic people tend to have lower oxytocin levels, and receptor sensitivity may also be altered.

Oxytocin plays an important role in social interactions and bonding—though reducing it to a "bonding hormone" would be an oversimplification. Lower levels or reduced sensitivity can make forming social connections more difficult, but this in no way indicates a lack of emotional attachment in the autistic brain (just observe any autistic person to see that!). However, it can affect comfort and well-being during interactions with people outside the secure circle, and may contribute to difficulties with cognitive empathy.

What can help?

• Positive social interactions: Spending time with trusted friends and family and engaging in enjoyable social activities can help increase oxytocin.

• Animal-assisted therapy: Interaction with pets can stimulate oxytocin and reduce stress.

• Physical touch: Cuddling, massages, and hugs can boost oxytocin levels.

• Meditation and mindfulness: Regular practice can support oxytocin regulation.

• Gratitude practice: Acknowledging and expressing gratitude for life’s positive aspects can help increase oxytocin production.

  
  

Glutamate and GABA

A common finding in autistic individuals is an imbalance between glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) and GABA (an inhibitory one). This is linked to another distinct feature of the autistic brain: morphological differences in the corpus callosum. (Don’t run away just yet!)

To put it simply: the corpus callosum is less efficient at long-distance communication between brain regions. So when glutamate and GABA are imbalanced, grey matter (neurons) can become "overloaded" beyond what the white matter (axons) can effectively carry.

Glutamate supports synaptic plasticity and cognitive function, while GABA is key to neural inhibition. An imbalance may result in neuronal hyperexcitability, affecting cognition, memory, and behaviour. This is also linked to a higher risk of epileptic seizures.

What can help?

• Regular physical exercise: Helps regulate glutamate and GABA levels, supporting cognitive function and neural plasticity.

• Glutamine-rich foods: Glutamine is a precursor to both glutamate and GABA. Foods like chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, and vegetables such as parsley and spinach are good sources.

• Magnesium supplements: Magnesium is vital for proper GABA receptor functioning. Supplements can help balance GABA levels.

• Stress management techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce neural hyperexcitability by modulating glutamate and GABA.

• Quality sleep: Adequate, restorative sleep is essential for maintaining glutamate-GABA balance. A consistent sleep routine and a calm environment can support this.

  
  

Try some of these strategies! When considering food supplements, always consult your doctors—and remember that the plate is often a more effective and risk-free source of nutrients when used with care and balance.