This test measures the following analytes:
- Saliva:
- Cortisol Evening
- Cortisol Morning (AM30)
- Cortisol Night
- Cortisol Noon
- DHEA
- Urine:
- Catecholamine Fractionation, Free
- Creatinine
- Dopamine, Free
- Epinephrine, Free
- Gamma-aminobutyrate
- Glutamate
- Glycine
- Histamine
- Norepinephrine: Epinephrine Ratio
- Norepinephrine, Free
- Phenethylamine (PEA)
- Serotonin
Why do I need to evaluate my cortisol levels?
Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, which are located near the top of the kidney. Cortisol is essential to many body functions and affects the immune system, nervous system, and metabolism. In addition, cortisol also helps the body respond to stress. Therefore, it is commonly referred to as the "stress hormone." This NeuroAdrenal Profile includes four daily cortisol collections due to their levels varying throughout the day, with the highest in the morning. This change in the levels throughout the day is a response to various stressors. Therefore, monitoring cortisol levels, in addition to neurotransmitters, may help screen for adrenal gland disorders.
What are neurotransmitters?
The body has an extensive network of nerves, known as the nervous system, which sends and receives signals from nerve cells to target cells throughout the body. The nervous system controls everything from the mind to muscle movement and other necessary body functions. The nervous system can communicate these signals by using chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The primary function of these neurotransmitters is to transport chemical signals ("messages") from one neuron (nerve cell) to the next target cell. The next target cell can be another nerve cell, a muscle cell, or a gland.
What are the functions of neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters transmit three potential actions in their messages to the target cell, depending on the distinct neurotransmitter. These three actions or changes can be:
- Excitatory--these neurotransmitters "excite" the target cell to continue passing along the message to the next cell. Glutamate, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are examples of excitatory neurotransmitters.
- Inhibitory--these neurotransmitters "inhibit" or block the target cell from passing the signal to the next cell. Examples of inhibitory neurotransmitters include gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and serotonin.
- Modulatory--these neurotransmitters "modulate" or adjust the effects of other chemical messengers and how cells communicate.
There are about 100 known neurotransmitters. Most of them are grouped based on their chemical nature, and these categories include amino acids, monoamines, peptides, and acetylcholine. This NeuroAdrenal Profile mainly evaluates the levels of amino acid and monoamine neurotransmitters. These two types of neurotransmitters play vital roles in the nervous system by regulating consciousness, cognition, attention, behavior, and emotion. Therefore, the body must maintain an adequate level of neurotransmitters. Any alterations to their levels can result in severe health conditions or disrupt necessary body functions, including:
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Sleep cycles
- Digestion
- Mood, thoughts, or memories
- Senses
- Concentration
- Hormone regulation
- Appetite
- Muscle movement
When should I order a NeuroAdrenal Profile, Saliva & Urine Test Kit?
Individuals may order this NeuroAdrenal Profile, Saliva & Urine Test Kit if they are experiencing symptoms associated with a hormone imbalance or an adrenal gland disorder. This test is useful for individuals experiencing the following symptoms:
- Stress
- Depression or anxiety
- Mood swings or irritability
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Forgetfulness
- Inattention
- Addiction
- Obsessions and cravings
- Chronic illness or immune deficiency
- Pain
- Low libido, sexual dysfunction
- Sweet or salty cravings
- Headaches
- Low stamina
