Description
The Neurotransmitter Profile is a urine test, assessing levels of 6 neurotransmitters: serotonin, GABA, dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and glutamate.
These 6 neurotransmitters are the most researched in relation to their effects on mood disorders, hormones, sleep, glucose/insulin balance, pain perception, appetite, and cognitive function.
Low or high levels of neurotransmitters are observed in various mental health disorders, such as depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s disease and panic attacks.
A full set of instructions and any equipment required are provided in the Neurotransmitter Test Kit.
What Role Do Neurotransmitters Play?
Serotonin
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesised in serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal tract.
In the CNS it is believed to play an important role as a neurotransmitter in the regulation of anger, appetite, body temperature, mood, sexuality and sleep. Low levels may be associated with aggression, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, impulsivity, irritability and sleep disorders.
Dopamine, Noradrenaline and Adrenaline
Dopamine is an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesized in many areas of the brain. It is a precursor for noradrenaline and adrenaline.
Dopamine also acts as a hormone when it is released from the hypothalamus, inhibiting prolactin production from the pituitary gland.
In the CNS dopamine is involved in the regulation of pleasure and reward, memory, motor control, sleep, mood, attention and learning.
Dopamine is released by rewarding experiences such as food, sex and (some) drugs. Lowered dopamine has been associated with loss of satisfaction, social withdrawal, apathy, reduced motivation and attention.
In addition, low dopamine levels can result in impaired motor control, e.g. Parkinson’s disease. High levels of dopamine may result in aggression, Schizophrenia, hyperactivity and Tourette’s syndrome.
Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine) are excitatory neurotransmitters as well as hormones. They are produced by noradrenergic and adrenergic neurons respectively, as well as by the adrenal medulla.
They are most well known for their involvement in the ¶?fight and flight’ response, in which they increase heart rate, trigger the release of glucose from energy stores and increase blood flow to skeletal muscle.
Low levels contribute to a decrease in mood, energy, focus, motivation and memory. High levels are associated with aggression, anxiety, emotional lability, hyperactivity, mania, stress and suppression of the immune system.
GABA
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is synthesized in the brain from an amino acid, glutamate, an exicitatory neurotransmitter.
In the body, GABA is concentrated in the hypothalamus region of the brain and is known to play a role in the overall functioning of the pituitary gland – which regulates growth hormone synthesis, sleep cycles, and body temperature.
Glutamate
Glutamate is a major mediator of excitatory signals in the brain and is involved in most aspects of normal brain function including cognition, memory and learning.
Glutamate does not only mediate a lot of information, but also information which regulates brain development and information which determines cellular survival, differentiation and elimination as well as formation and elimination of nerve contacts (synapses).
Glutamate exerts its signaling function by binding to glutamate receptor proteins (¶?¶?glutamate receivers¶?¶) and thereby activating these receptor proteins. Several subtypes of glutamate
The Neurotransmitter Test Kit Contains – a full set of instructions and any equipment required to provide your sample for testing.
Once received, we will analyse your results and provide a personalised treatment plan in the form of a written report to improve your health status.
Turn around time for this test is roughly 2 weeks.
What does the cost cover?
The website cost covers the test kit, processing of all information and interpretation and collation of final results into your personalised comprehensive report.
If you would like to know more about the Neurotransmitter Profile, please contact your Emed Practitioner Today!
Further Reading:
