I did and quite a few of the results got my attention. This test was pretty comprehensive however it did not include the inhibitory neurotransmitter taurine. The NeuroAdrenal-Expanded panel which I just ordered does. Also, it tests for dopamine and serotonin metabolites to assess receptor activity.
https://www.neurorelief.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=588
Results:
All descriptions were condensed from either my provider or the neurorelief website.
Excitatory Neurotransmitters:
All are low range or below
-
Epinephrine: 7.5 {7-12} All units are microg/gCr unless specified
A bit low but not notably so. Supports stress adaptation, sustained energy level, and mood. -
Norepinephrine: 21.8 {30-45} Low
Helps with stress adaptation while supporting energy levels and mood again. Low Epinephrine and Norepinephrine contribute to fatigue, low stress adaptation, low mood, lack of focus/concentration, and poor memory. Low levels of Norepinephrine specifically contribute to feeling overwhelmed and subsequent anxiety. -
Phenylethylamine (PEA): 37.6 {30-70} nMol/gCr
Supports mood and again, helps sustain energy levels. -
Histamine: 9.4 {14-24} Low
Has the function of “pacemaker” in the brain. Regulates levels of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine. -
Glutamate: 15.5 {15-32} microMol/gCr
Primary excitatory neurotransmitter responsible for most neurotransmission. Essential for thinking and memory. Low levels associated with “fuzzy thinking”, slower cognitive processing, fatigue, and inborn amino acid metabolism errors.
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters:
All are elevated save one.
-
GABA: 7.7 {4.7-7.0} microMol/gCr High
The infamous GABA. Major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. -
Glycine: 1133.2 {455-980} microMol/gCr High
Inhibitory neurotransmitter much the same as GABA but operates primarily in brain stem and spinal cord. -
Serotonin: 39.7 {120-185} Extremely Low
At one third of the low end my Serotonin was by far the most striking result. Essential in maintaining balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters which is obviously offset. Depression, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, decreased pain tolerance, impulsivity, hypoglycemia, and insulin resistance can all be attributed to low serotonin. Sugar can temporarily raise tryptophan (serotonin precursor) crossing blood brain barrier so a craving for sweets could be sign. GABA and Glycine are elevated to compensate for low serotonin (or vice versi).
Dopamine: 152.3 {115-175}
The only neurotransmitter that is solidly in range. Dopamine gets its own category because it is both inhibitory and excitatory depending on the region of the brain it is acting. Normal urine levels may not tell the whole story and true synaptic level could be lower because low Serotonin decreases Dopamine turnover and excretion. This will hopefully be assessed along with serotonin turnover by the expanded test. I would be very surprised if my dopamine processing is completely normal due to what I percieve to be decreased reward pathway sensitivity.
Adrenal Hormones:
All elevated in response to persistent stress.
Cortisol:
Morning: 14.7 {7.0-10} ng/mL High
Midday: 8.4 {3.0-6.0} High
Evening: 4.5 {2.0-4.0} High
Night: 2.3 {<1.5} High
Stress produces an increase in HPA activity however this increase in turn creates negative feedback where Cortisol turns down the HPA axis. Persistant high cortisol is neurotoxic in the hippocampus as well as other areas of the brain. Cortisol increases neuron excitation through interference with GABA receptor. GABA and Glycine are elevated further to compensate for this. From wikipedia excessive cortisol shuts down the reproductive system and reduces Serotonin and Glutamate in the brain. When HPA finally becomes dysfunctional cortisol drops but production will be unregulated throughout the day. This is a more advanced case of adrenal fatigue than my results show. Symptoms of elevated cortisol are fatigue, decreased energy, impaired memory, insulin resistance, insomnia, anxiety, impaired concentration, restlessness, and feelings of hopelessness.
DHEA: 672.0 {250-578} pg/mL High
The most important androgen in our bodies. Dont know if there can ever be too much but high level is another indicator of adrenal stress response. My body shouldn’t need to circulate this much and this level is probably unsustainable.
I should point out that these samples were taken about two months ago. Since then I have been following my providers instructions and have been supplementing with various amino acids and supplements. Specifically those that support the adrenals and Serotonin production as well as the standard multi-Vs etc…I should have results from the advanced profile in a couple of weeks.