NOTE: This test is ONLY AVAILABLE TO AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS.
The Neurotransmitter Urine Test (Extensive)
The Extensive Neurotransmitter Profile is a urine test, assessing levels of 6 neurotransmitters: serotonin + GABA + dopamine + noradrenaline + adrenaline + glutamate. These neurotransmitters are the most researched in relation to their effects on mood disorders, hormones, sleep, glucose/insulin balance, pain perception, appetite and cognitive function.
The report format includes a correlation analysis section, written by the clinical department, which relates the patients’ symptoms with their corresponding lab results, as an aide to the practitioner.
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.
Dopamine
Dopamine is an excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesized in many areas of the brain.
Noradrenaline and Adrenaline
Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine) are excitatory neurotransmitters as well as hormones.
GABA
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
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.
Analytes
- Excitatory
- Adrenaline
- Dopamine
- Glutamate
- NA/A ratio
- Noradrenaline
- Inhibitory
- GABA
- Serotonin
Test Method
LCMS/MS/MS (Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry)
About The Test
All tests come with full instructions, including a pre-authorised practitioner script.
Home test kits come with everything you need to complete the test, including free express post return postage to the laboratory.
All pathology test kits come with a preauthorised script (including test kit/s if required) to take to your local pathology test centre.
You can click here to find a pathology near you.
Turn-around time: 14 days
Types Of Neurotransmitters In This Test
- Serotonin – Mood and emotion regulation especially happiness, digestive function, sleep and carbohydrate cravings.
- Dopamine – Reward mechanism, confidence, motivation, focus, concentration.
- GABA – An inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety. Also important for motor control.
- Noradrenaline – Alertiveness, dreaming, learning, mood.
- Adrenaline – Attention, mental focus, arousal, metabolism. Too much can lead to anxiety and stress. Too little can lead to depression, fatigue, weight gain, poor motivation.
- Glutamate – Associated with learning and memory. High levels linked with OCD.
Note: The adrenal fatigue test is recommended to be performed with the Extensive Neurotransmitter Profile due to the interrelationship of adrenal hormones and the HP axis (Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis).
Symptoms of Neurotransmitter Imbalances
In the below table you can see symptoms experienced for each of the 6 neurotransmitters based on having a high level or having a low level. It’s important to understand that you could be experiencing imbalances in one or even all of the neurotransmitters.
| High | Low | |
| Serotonin | Headache, mental confusion Sweating, shivering Hypertension, tachycardia Nausea, vomiting Muscle twitching, tremor |
Depression, low mood Hot flashes Sleep difficulties, anxiety Carbohydrate cravings Constipation |
| GABA | Anxiety Tingling of extremities Shortness of breath Throbbing heart |
Anxiety / Depression / mood disorders Hyperactivity PMS Sleep issues |
| Dopamine | Developmental problems Schizophrenia Psychosis Possible increased Testosterone |
Lack of motivation and focus Poor memory Addictions, cravings Low libido / decreased Testosterone Poor motor control / tremors |
| Noradrenaline | Stress, anxiety Hyperactivity Increased blood pressure Pain |
Lack of focus, energy or motivation Depression with apathy |
| Adrenaline | Insomnia Stress, anxiety Blood sugar imbalance, Insulin resistance Allergic reactions |
Poor methylation Lack of focus Lack of energy Poor blood sugar control |
| Glutamate | Neruortoxicity Stress, anxiety Low mood Sleep disturbances |
Fatigue Poor brain function Poor memory |
For Australian Orders we provide an express postage reply-paid envelope with the test kit for you to send your test sample directly to our pathology laboratory in Australia.
Have any questions about this test? Ask one of our qualified health practitioners here.
