MyMedLab

There is no special preparation for this test

This combination of two popular tests, the Adrenal Stress - Saliva (24 Hour Cortisol/DHEA) and Neurotransmitter Health - Urine, is offered through our partnership with Sabre Sciences Lab. Together they provide a rare look into both the daily rhythms of the stress hormones: Cortisol and DHEA-Sulfate and seven neurotransmitters in the body.

These values can help you understand how well your body responds to stress. Knowing the individual values, and more importantly certain ratios between these values, can make it possible to supplement deficiencies and correct imbalances affecting our daily lives and mental health.

The test includes - Six saliva samples collected in the privacy of your own home over a 24 hr. period at 8AM, 12PM, 4PM, 8PM, 12AM, and 4AM.

The profile includes Nine evaluations:

6 x Cortisol - Helps evaluate stress response.
3 x DHEA-s - Helps determine stress adaptation.
Serotonin
Dopamine
Nor Epinephrine
Epinephrine
GABA
Glutamate

Many Endocrine related problems may be the result of stress. Simply put, stress is the sum total of all mental and physical input over a given period of time. The main markers used to measure stress are the adrenal steroid hormones, cortisol and DHEA-Sulfate. Stress, whether physical or emotional in origin, provokes a survival response by the adrenal glands. When the adrenal glands become exhausted due to overwork, adequate levels of the stress hormones DHEA-s and cortisol cannot be produced.

DHEA-s and cortisol are considered the major shock absorber hormones in the body. They buffer us to stress and the negative impact it can have on both mental and physical function. Long-term stress can have a serious impact on the adrenal glands and cause them to shrink and reduce production (Adrenal Dysfunction). This sets off a chain reaction that can influence the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems, along with many other functions of the body.

The Neurotransmitter Health portion of the panel is designed to provide an evaluation of seven neurotransmitters found throughout the entire body (not the brain): Serotonin, Dopamine, Nor Epinephrine, Epinephrine, GABA and Glutamate. The urine test, collected in the privacy of your home, requires the collection of the 2nd urine of the day, 2-3 hours after waking up in the morning.

This simple, non-invasive test, can help determine if a neurotransmitter imbalance exists. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that carry messages (communicate) between nerve cells throughout the brain and body. Each neurotransmitter can influence a specific area of the brain and controls many body functions including movement, emotional response and the physical ability to experience pleasure and pain.

Neurotransmitter imbalances can result in conditions including: depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, headaches, migraines, fatigue, weight gain/ loss, insomnia, memory problems, chronic pain, and much more.

There are two kinds of neurotransmitters, INHIBITORY and EXCITATORY.

Excitatory neurotransmitters are what stimulate the brain. Those that calm the brain and help create balance are called inhibitory. Inhibitory neurotransmitters balance mood and are easily depleted when the excitatory neurotransmitters are overactive.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters:

Dopamine: Considered both excitatory and inhibitory, focus, memory, motivation and drive are all influenced by dopamine.

Nor Epinephrine: Anxiety and nervousness are the result of high levels. Low levels cause low energy and decreased focus.

Epinephrine: Reflective of stress in the body. Will often be elevated when ADHD like symptoms are present. Epinephrine also regulates heart rate and blood pressure.

Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory NT in the body. It is mainly associated with the functions of learning and memory. High values are associated with panic attacks, anxiety and high adrenal function. Low levels in urine are associated with memory loss, low energy and low adrenal function.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters:

Serotonin: Mood stabilizer and helps balance over-stimulation in the brain. Stimulating medications, caffeine or sugar in your daily regimen can, over time, cause a depletion of serotonin. Low levels are associated with decreased function in the immune system.

GABA: Often referred to as a natural VALIUM-like substance. When out of range (high or low excretion values), it is likely that GABA is being used to attempt to balance over-stimulation.