Test ID: U-343 | Sample Type: Dried Urine (4 collections) | Technology: LC-MS | Results: 3–5 Working Days
The Most Comprehensive Neurotransmitter + Stress Hormone Panel Available at Home
This advanced panel combines a full 26-marker neurotransmitter profile with diurnal cortisol, cortisone, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and melatonin — giving you a complete picture of how your neurochemistry and stress hormone system are interacting. With 50 measurements across a single dried urine collection, it is one of the most thorough at-home neuroendocrine assessments available.
If you are experiencing mood instability, anxiety, poor sleep, chronic stress, burnout, fatigue, or brain fog — and want to understand the biochemical drivers — this test provides the objective data to guide a personalised approach.
What This Test Measures
Dried Urine — 26 Neurotransmitters & Metabolites (LC-MS):
- Tryptophan (Trp), Serotonin (5-HT), 5-HIAA
- GABA, Glycine (Gly), Taurine (Tau)
- Glutamate (Glu), Glutamine (Gln)
- Histidine (His), Histamine (HIST), N-Methylhistamine (N-MeHist)
- Phenylethylamine (PEA), Tyrosine (Tyr), Tyramine (Tyra)
- Dopamine (DA), DOPAC, Homovanillic Acid (HVA)
- Norepinephrine (NMN), Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)
- Kynurenine (Kyn), Kynurenic Acid (KynAc), 3-Hydroxykynurenine (3OHKyn), Xanthurenic Acid (Xanth)
- Creatinine (Crtn ×5)
Dried Urine — Diurnal Stress Hormones (LC-MS, ×4 or ×5 time points):
- Free Cortisol (FC ×4) — the primary stress hormone; measured at four time points throughout the day to assess the diurnal pattern and identify HPA axis dysfunction
- Free Cortisone (FCn ×4) — the inactive form of cortisol; the cortisol-to-cortisone ratio reflects cortisol metabolism and tissue-level activity
- 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin (MT6s ×4) — the primary urinary melatonin metabolite; assesses melatonin production and circadian rhythm regulation across the day
- Norepinephrine (NE ×5) — the stress and alertness neurotransmitter/hormone; diurnal pattern reveals adrenal stress response and sympathetic nervous system activity
- Epinephrine (Epi ×5) — the adrenaline marker; elevated levels reflect acute stress reactivity, anxiety, and adrenal output
Why Measure Cortisol and Melatonin Alongside Neurotransmitters?
Cortisol, melatonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine interact directly with neurotransmitter systems. Chronic stress depletes serotonin, GABA, and dopamine. Disrupted cortisol patterns impair sleep architecture and worsen anxiety. Melatonin deficiency compounds fatigue and mood instability. By measuring all of these together across the day, this panel reveals the full neuroendocrine picture rather than isolated markers — enabling far more targeted interventions.
Symptoms This Test Can Help Investigate
- Chronic stress, burnout, or adrenal fatigue
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or hypervigilance
- Low mood, depression-related symptoms, or emotional instability
- Poor sleep, insomnia, or disrupted circadian rhythm
- Persistent fatigue or low energy despite adequate rest
- Brain fog, poor concentration, or memory difficulties
- ADHD symptoms, impulsivity, or poor motivation
- Mood swings, irritability, or PMS/PMDD
- Low libido or stress-related hormonal disruption
Who Is This Test For?
This test is suitable for adults and children who want to:
- Understand the neurochemical and hormonal drivers of mood, stress, and sleep symptoms
- Assess whether HPA axis dysregulation (cortisol pattern) is contributing to fatigue or anxiety
- Evaluate melatonin production and circadian rhythm disruption
- Investigate whether stress hormones are depleting key neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA
- Monitor neurotransmitter and stress hormone response during or after treatment
- Gain a comprehensive neuroendocrine baseline for personalised health optimisation
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered directly to your door
- Collect four dried urine samples at specific times during the day using the provided collection strips
- Post your samples to the laboratory using the provided instructions
- Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your samples
What You Receive With Your Results
- All 50 markers displayed in clear graphics and easy-to-read values
- Diurnal cortisol, cortisone, melatonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine curves
- Neurotransmitter pathway analysis including metabolites
- A written interpretation by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
- Guidance on what your results mean and recommended next steps
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden charges
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
All testing is performed by ZRT Laboratory — a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory founded in 1998 by Dr. David Zava, PhD. ZRT has performed over 11 million tests and is trusted by healthcare professionals in 96+ countries.
- Pioneers of at-home dried urine neurotransmitter and hormone testing
- Advanced LC-MS/MS technology for clinical-grade accuracy
- Qualified for the CDC Hormone Standardisation (HoSt) Program
- ZRT is the only lab offering a 24-hour equivalent neuroendocrine assessment in four easy urine collections
Hormone Lab UK (Testfield UK Ltd) is the official UK test provider for ZRT Laboratory.
Important Information
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden costs
- Customers are responsible for return shipping to the laboratory
- Test kit valid for 12 months from purchase date
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between this test and the standard Advanced Neurotransmitter Test (U-325)?
The U-325 measures 26 neurotransmitter markers only. This panel (U-343) adds diurnal cortisol, cortisone, melatonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine — all measured at multiple time points across the day. This makes it significantly more comprehensive for anyone wanting to understand how stress hormones and circadian rhythm are interacting with their neurotransmitter balance.
Why is cortisol measured at four time points rather than once?
Cortisol follows a distinct diurnal curve — it peaks shortly after waking and gradually declines through the day. A single measurement tells you very little. The four-point diurnal pattern reveals whether your cortisol awakening response is healthy, whether it crashes too early (associated with burnout and fatigue), or remains elevated at night (associated with anxiety and poor sleep).
What does melatonin (MT6s) tell me?
6-Sulfatoxymelatonin (MT6s) is the urinary metabolite of melatonin — the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Measuring it at four time points shows whether your melatonin rises appropriately in the evening and whether your circadian rhythm is functioning correctly. Low melatonin is associated with insomnia, poor sleep quality, jet lag, shift work disruption, and increased cancer risk.
Can chronic stress affect my neurotransmitter levels?
Yes. Elevated cortisol and adrenaline — the markers of chronic stress — directly deplete serotonin, GABA, and dopamine over time. This is one of the primary mechanisms behind stress-driven anxiety, low mood, and burnout. This test measures both the stress hormones and the neurotransmitters simultaneously, allowing this relationship to be assessed directly.
Is this test suitable for children?
Yes. The dried urine collection method is non-invasive and suitable for adults and children.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. There are no additional charges. You are responsible for posting your samples to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.