Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters: Understand the Chemistry Behind Your Mood, Sleep and Focus
Disorders of the brain are among the most confusing and distressing health challenges we face. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, addiction, ADHD, autism, learning difficulties and chronic pain often involve more than one cause. One important part of the picture lies in our neurotransmitters that act as the “hormones of the brain.”
At the Nardella Clinic we offer urinary neurotransmitter testing to help clarify whether imbalances in these key chemicals are contributing to your symptoms.
What Are Neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers made from essential amino acids, including serotonin, GABA, dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, PEA, glutamate and acetylcholine. They regulate mood, sleep, memory, focus, stress resilience, cravings, addiction tendencies, pain perception and libido. When levels are too low, too high or out of balance, many mental, emotional and physical symptoms can occur.
Neurotransmitter Effects Chart
|
Neurotransmitter |
Primary Roles |
When Suboptimal (Low) |
When Elevated (High) |
|
Serotonin |
Mood balance, sleep, appetite, digestion, pain regulation |
Depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, cravings |
Sedation, lethargy, emotional blunting |
|
Dopamine |
Motivation, reward, focus, motor control |
Low motivation, poor focus, depression |
Anxiety, hyperactivity, impulsivity |
|
GABA |
Calming, relaxation, sleep |
Anxiety, tension, insomnia |
Fatigue, cognitive slowing |
|
Adrenaline |
Stress response, alertness |
Fatigue, low arousal |
Anxiety, palpitations, sleep disruption |
|
Noradrenaline |
Focus, concentration, stress resilience |
Poor concentration, low energy |
Hypervigilance, irritability, insomnia |
|
PEA |
Mood elevation, attention |
Low mood, poor focus |
Agitation, insomnia |
|
Glutamate |
Learning, memory, main excitatory neurotransmitter |
Cognitive slowing, low energy |
Irritability, headaches, insomnia |
|
Glycine |
Inhibitory neurotransmitter, sleep, muscle control |
Poor sleep, muscle tension |
Sedation, lethargy |
|
Acetylcholine |
Memory, learning, motor control |
Memory issues, brain fog |
Agitation, overstimulation |
|
Histamine |
Wakefulness, immune function |
Fatigue, cognitive slowing |
Insomnia, anxiety, GI upset |
|
Kynurenic Acid |
Marker of neuroinflammation |
Normal unless suppressed |
Indicates neuroinflammation |
Why Measure Neurotransmitters Through Urine?
Neurotransmitters are produced in the brain, peripheral nervous system and gastrointestinal microbiome. Urinary neurotransmitter levels reflect whole-body neurotransmitter metabolism.
What Influences Neurotransmitter Levels?
Neurotransmitter metabolism is affected by nutrition, genetics, lifestyle, hormones, BMI, environmental exposures, inflammation, infection and substance use.
Who Benefits from Neurotransmitter Testing?
- Depression, anxiety, irritability
- Fatigue or low motivation
- Insomnia or unrefreshing sleep
- Brain fog or memory problems
- Addictions or cravings
- Chronic pain or illness
- Effects of concussion
- ADHD, autism, or learning challenges
How Nardella Clinic Uses Your Results
We integrate neurotransmitter results with clinical history and other diagnostics to create personalized treatment strategies, identify nutrient needs, evaluate inflammatory patterns and track treatment effectiveness.
Schedule Lab Test Consult
Please fill out the form below to begin the lab testing consultation process. We will be in touch with you right away to finalize your information.
