Our Neurotransmitter tests provide insights into your mental and neurological health. These tests assess levels of key neurotransmitters that affect mood, cognition, and brain function. Below, each neurotransmitter tested is explained in detail, helping you understand their roles in your health.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone and neurotransmitter released by the adrenal glands. It plays a vital role in the body's fight-or-flight response, preparing the body for quick action during stressful situations. Adrenaline increases heart rate, opens airways, and boosts energy availability, supporting rapid and effective survival reactions.
Dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter that supports the brain’s reward and motivation systems. It plays vital roles in mood regulation, pleasure, focus, memory, and movement control. Imbalances in dopamine levels can impact mental well-being and are associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s disease.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, crucial for decreasing neuronal excitability and maintaining balance in the nervous system. It plays a vital role in managing mood, anxiety, and sleep by encouraging relaxation and counteracting the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate. Proper GABA function promotes mental and emotional well-being.
Glutamate is a key excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a vital role in cognitive processes such as learning and memory. It is essential for brain development and synaptic plasticity. However, excessive glutamate levels can cause neuronal overstimulation, leading to potential neurotoxicity. This balance makes glutamate critical for normal brain function while also linking it to various neurological disorders.
The noradrenaline/adrenaline (NA/A) ratio is a measure that indicates the balance between two key stress hormones — noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine). Both hormones play essential roles in the body’s fight-or-flight response, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and energy mobilization. This ratio can change in response to factors such as stress, physical activity, and overall health status.
Noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine, is a chemical that acts as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the body. It plays a crucial role in the fight-or-flight response by increasing alertness, arousal, and reaction time. Noradrenaline also aids in mood regulation and helps maintain blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.
Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter often referred to as the “happiness chemical,” involved in regulating mood and emotional well-being. It also plays important roles in sleep, digestion, bone health, and blood clotting. Primarily produced in the gut, serotonin influences both the brain and body by affecting various physiological functions and emotional states. Imbalances in serotonin levels can have significant effects on mental and physical health.