A non-invasive urine sample can be used to evaluate your key neurohormones including the calming neurohormones Serotonin and GABA as well as the excitatory neurohormones Epinephrine, Norepinephrine and Dopamine. These five key neurohormones maintain the body’s balance of mood and focus. Chronic stress can deplete Serotonin and GABA, the calming neurohormones and raise your excitatory neurohormones leading to anxiety, high blood pressure, ulcers, depression and more.
Evaluation of these stress biomarkers can help you identify how stress is affecting your health. By correcting the imbalances you can reduce and eliminate fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and depression, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, headaches, migraines, ulcers, Fibromyalgia, ADD/ADHD, and improve immune function.
Indications
- Stress, Nervousness, Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Behavior
- Addictions
- Sadness
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
- Muscle Tension
- Heart Palpitations
- High Blood Pressure
- Migraines
- Ulcers
Epinephrine
Epinephrine (Adrenalin) is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress, low blood glucose, and exercise. It causes the breakdown of gylcogen in the liver, the release of fatty acids from the adipose (fat) tissue, vasodilation of the small arteries within muscle, and increases cardiac output.
Excess amounts can cause increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure (mainly systolic), high blood sugar, muscle soreness and suppressed immunity. Epinephrine is a neurotransmitter in the brain and also a major hormone in the body. Epinephrine is synthesized from Norepinephrine by enzymatic conversion.
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine (Noradrenalin) is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system and larger amounts are stored in the adrenal medulla. Nervous impulses from the sympathetic nervous system provide signals to the skin, heart, eyes, lungs, and GI system. Additionally, Norepinephrine plays a role in blood pressure, insulin resistance, and appetite control.
Like Epinephrine, excess amounts can cause increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure (mainly systolic), high blood sugar, muscle soreness and suppressed immunity. Norepinephrine is made from Dopamine.
Dopamine
Dopamine is a key regulatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is a precursor to Norepinephrine. Excessive levels can cause anxiety and severe emotional disturbances, while a deficiency can cause attention problems and cognitive slowing. Severe deficiencies can cause Parkinson’s Disease. Dopamine is produced from the amino acid L-Tyrosine.
Serotonin
Serotonin is a calming neurotransmitter synthesized from the amino acid Tryptophan and the intermediate hormone 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) by neurons in the brain as well as specialized cells in the gut, and lungs. Serotonin increases the dilation of blood vessels and plays a very important role in regulating appetite and mood. Deficiencies are associated with depression, anxiety, panic, obsessions, compulsions, food cravings and bulimia.
GABA
GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Stress and high levels of the excitatory neurohormones trigger increased GABA levels. GABA is often high in patients experiencing sleeping problems, nervousness, anxiety, hyperactivity, and seizure disorders.
Call for More Information
To learn more about Neurohormone testing or to inquire about scheduling an appointment with Dr. Hansen please call our office at 480-991-5092.