Advanced Neurotransmitter and Cortisol Test | Specialist Interpretation Included

Test ID: SU-843 | Sample Type: Dried Urine + Saliva | Technology: LC-MS | Results: 3–5 Working Days | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory (CLIA-certified)

Neurotransmitters and the Stress Hormone Cortisol — Measured Together

This comprehensive panel combines a full 26-marker LC-MS neurotransmitter profile with 4-point salivary cortisol testing — giving you a complete picture of how your neurochemistry and stress response interact throughout the day.

Chronic stress is one of the most significant drivers of neurotransmitter depletion. Elevated cortisol suppresses serotonin, GABA, and dopamine production, and disrupts sleep-wake cycles. By measuring both systems together, this test reveals the full biochemical picture behind mood instability, anxiety, fatigue, burnout, and poor sleep — not just isolated markers.

What This Test Measures (30 Markers)

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 (NE), Normetanephrine (NMN), Epinephrine (Epi), Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)
• Kynurenine (Kyn), Kynurenic Acid (KynAc), 3-Hydroxykynurenine (3OHKyn), Xanthurenic Acid (Xanth)
• Creatinine (Crtn)

Saliva — 4-Point Diurnal Cortisol:

• Morning Cortisol — cortisol awakening response; key indicator of HPA axis health
• Noon Cortisol — midday output reflecting daily stress load
• Evening Cortisol — wind-down phase; elevated levels linked to anxiety and poor sleep
• Bedtime Cortisol — nighttime level; high readings associated with insomnia and burnout

Why Measure Cortisol Alongside Neurotransmitters?

Cortisol and neurotransmitters are deeply interconnected. Chronic HPA axis activation — reflected in a disrupted 4-point cortisol curve — directly depletes serotonin, GABA, and dopamine over time. Identifying both the stress hormone pattern and the resulting neurotransmitter imbalances in a single test allows for far more targeted interventions than measuring either system alone.

The 4-point saliva method provides a diurnal cortisol curve showing:

• Whether the cortisol awakening response is healthy or blunted (adrenal fatigue)
• Whether cortisol remains elevated into the evening (anxiety, insomnia, burnout)
• Overall HPA axis resilience and stress recovery capacity

Symptoms This Test Can Help Investigate

• Chronic stress, burnout, or adrenal exhaustion
• Anxiety, panic attacks, or feeling unable to switch off
• Low mood, depression-related symptoms, or emotional instability
• Poor sleep, insomnia, or waking unrefreshed
• 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 whether chronic stress is depleting key neurotransmitters
• Assess HPA axis function and cortisol diurnal rhythm
• Investigate the neurochemical drivers of mood, sleep, and stress symptoms
• Monitor neurotransmitter and cortisol response during or after treatment
• Gain a comprehensive neuroendocrine baseline for personalised health optimisation

How It Works

1. Order your kit — delivered directly to your door
2. Collect 4 saliva samples at specific times during the day
3. Collect 4 dried urine samples throughout the day using the provided collection strips
4. Post your samples to the laboratory using the provided instructions
5. Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your samples

What You Receive With Your Results

• All 30 markers in clear graphics and easy-to-read values
• Diurnal 4-point cortisol curve with interpretation
• Full 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

View a Sample Test Report

Important Considerations

• On test day: avoid alcohol, nicotine, bananas, pineapple, and walnuts
• Maintain normal fluid intake — avoid excessive drinking, which may dilute samples
• Record all medicines and supplements on the requisition form
• Do not stop prescribed medication without advice from your prescribing clinician
• Test kit valid for 12 months from purchase date
• Customers are responsible for return shipping to the laboratory

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. ZRT pioneered salivary cortisol and dried urine neurotransmitter testing for at-home use.

Hormone Lab UK (Testfield UK Ltd) is the official UK test provider for ZRT Laboratory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is 4-point salivary cortisol different from a single cortisol reading?
A single cortisol reading only tells you the level at one moment. The 4-point diurnal pattern — measured at morning, noon, evening, and bedtime — shows whether your cortisol follows a healthy arc, whether it crashes too early (burnout, adrenal fatigue), or stays elevated at night (chronic stress, insomnia). This is far more clinically informative than a single value.

How does chronic stress deplete neurotransmitters?
Elevated cortisol — sustained over weeks or months — suppresses serotonin and GABA synthesis, depletes dopamine precursors, and over-activates the excitatory glutamate system. This is one of the primary mechanisms behind stress-driven anxiety, low mood, and burnout. Testing both systems simultaneously reveals this relationship directly.

Can this test diagnose anxiety, depression, or ADHD?
No. This test cannot diagnose medical or psychiatric conditions. It provides biochemical information that may help you and your healthcare professional better understand your symptoms and guide personalised interventions. Seek professional assessment for diagnosis.

Is this test suitable for children?
Yes. Both the saliva and dried urine collection methods are non-invasive and suitable for adults and children.

Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. Return postage to the laboratory is not included.

How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.