Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers used by the nervous system to relay information from one nerve to another.
Optimal neurotransmitter balance is required to maintain proper health. Imbalances can cause the brain and the body to be over- or under-stimulated, producing neurological or psychological symptoms.
Genetics, environment, chemicals and nutritional deficiencies are a few factors that can impact neurotransmitter production. Once out of balance, the nervous system begins to compensate – which, in time, can lead to neurological or psychological symptoms.
Some of the more common psychological conditions today are known to be accompanied by neurotransmitter imbalances. However, it’s also possible for individuals to present with similar symptoms yet have unique foundational imbalances. Testing helps clarify these root issues.
Common neurotransmitter-related causes of health issues often involve the following scenarios:
Anxiety & Depression
Neurotransmitter imbalances are often associated with anxiety and depression, specifically Glutamate (panic attacks), PEA, Histamine, Serotonin, as well as Epinephrine & Norepinephrine.
Chronic Fatigue
An imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters can lead to persistent fatigue.
Impulsivity
GABA, Dopamine and Serotonin are three chemical messengers commonly linked to disorders like ADD, ADHD & OCD.
Insomnia
Imbalances in Glutamate, Histamine, Dopamine, GABA and Serotonin are often linked to sleep disturbances and insomnia.
PMS or PMDD
Imbalances in Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine and GABA are often involved in cases of PMDD (pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder) and severe PMS.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
Dopac (aka 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) is a metabolite of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine serves as the reward and pleasure center in the brain. DOPAC and HVA (Homovanillic Acid) are dopamine metabolites. DOPAC levels, when v
Learn more5-HIAA is the primary metabolite of serotonin, a chemical substance (neurotransmitter) that transmits messages between nerve cells. After it is used by the body, serotonin is broken down in the liver, and its metabolites, including 5-HIAA, are e
Learn moreDopamine is a chemical found naturally in the human body. It is a neurotransmitter, meaning it sends signals from the body to the brain. Dopamine plays a part in controlling the movements a person makes, as well as their emotional responses. The righ
Learn moreEpinephrine is commonly known as adrenaline. Your body naturally produces it during times of stress. The hormone is also necessary for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system — it makes the heart beat more strongly, and diver
Learn moreGABA stands for Gamma-aminobutyric acid (γ-Aminobutyric Acid) and is a nonessential protein amino acid. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
Learn moreGlutamate functions as the major excitatory neurotransmitter and metabolic fuel throughout the body. Glutamate is produced in your body, and is also found in many foods.
Learn moreGlycine plays an important role in the body’s ability to detoxify itself as well as in wound healing. It is also important in the creation of nucleic acids and bile acids.
Learn moreThis test measures the amount of metanephrines in your urine that your body makes over a 24-hour period. Metanephrines are made when your body breaks down hormones called catecholamines. These hormones are made by the adrenal glands. Catechol
Learn moreMetanephrines are made when your body breaks down hormones called catecholamines. These hormones are made by the adrenal glands. Catecholamines help your body respond to stress. They are sometimes called "fight or flight" hormones. They als
Learn moreNorepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, is important for mental focus and emotional stability. Norepinephrine functions as a neurotransmitter and hormone that regulates the “fight or flight” response and elevates blood pressure an
Learn moreNormetanephrine, a metabolite of norepinephrine, is at normally low levels in the plasma. Certain tumors increase the levels and will increase the levels of nor-metanephrine. The Normetanephrine test, when normal, means these tumors are not present.
Learn moreMetanephrine and normetanephrine are breakdown products (metabolites) of the catecholamines epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. This test measures the amounts of metanephrine and normetanephrine that are released into the urine over a 24-hou
Learn morePEA stands for Beta-phenylethylamine and is an excitatory neurotransmitter made from phenylalanine and it modulates neuron voltage potentials to favor glutamate activity and neurotransmitter firing.
Learn moreSerotonin plays important roles in the resolution of mood, sleep, and appetite. Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesized by enzymes that act on tryptophan and/or 5-HTP. Neurotransmitters are divided
Learn moreTaurine important for proper heart function, healthy sleep and promoting calmness. Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid, but it is often referred to as an amino acid, a chemical that is a required building block of protein. Taurine is found in large
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