Neurotransmitters (VibrantWellness)
Urine
Performed by: Vibrant Wellness
The Neurotransmitters test is a test to measure inhibitory, excitatory, and other neurotransmitters, their precursors, and their derivatives to determine imbalances.
Neurotransmitters are chemical molecules that our bodies can't function without. They facilitate chemical signals or messages from one neuron to the next target cell, which can be another nerve cell, a muscle cell, or a gland.
Neurotransmitters are critical to determining mental performance, emotions, pain response, and energy levels.
Because hormones are interconnected with neurotransmitters, an imbalance in adrenal and sex hormones may lead to neurotransmitter imbalances which could feedback negatively and cause hormonal imbalances. Thus, a combination of testing hormone and neurotransmitter levels is recommended to provide the physician with a comprehensive assessment of the hormonal and neurotransmitter dysfunctions, supporting the identification of underlying causes of symptoms.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a monoamine that serves as both a stress hormone and an excitatory neurotransmitter. It is produced by chromaffin cells within the adrenal medulla of the adrenal gland and is secreted into the bloodstream dur
Learn moreThe Organic Acids Test measures levels of HVA (homovanillic acid) and VMA (vanillylmandelic acid), the metabolites of the neurotransmitters, dopamine and epinephrine/norepinephrine. It also measures the ratio of the two metabolites.
Learn moreThe Norepinephrine / Epinephrine ratio is an indicator of epinephrine (adrenaline) conversion (epinephrine is synthesized from norepinephrine). Anxiety, burnout, and poor blood sugar control are associated with a relative epinephrine depletion, and t
Learn moreA high ratio of quinolinic acid to the tryptophan metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, indicates excessive inflammation due to recurrent infections, excessive tryptophan intake, immune overstimulation, excessive adrenal production of cortisol, or
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 moreVanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is an end-stage metabolite of the catecholamines dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine formed via the actions of monoamine oxidase, catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), and aldehyde dehydrogenase. VMA is found in the
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