Neurotransmitters: The Body’s Chemical Messengers & Why Testing Matters
Neurotransmitters are the brain’s chemical messengers — tiny molecules that carry information from one nerve cell to another. This constant relay keeps your brain, body, and emotions functioning smoothly.
But here’s the catch: optimal balance is key. Too much or too little of certain neurotransmitters can throw your system off, leading to symptoms ranging from low mood to restless nights.
How Neurotransmitter Imbalances Affect Health
When neurotransmitters are out of balance, your brain and body may become over- or under-stimulated. Common scenarios include:
1. Anxiety & Depression
Imbalances in Glutamate (linked to panic attacks), PEA, Histamine, Serotonin, Epinephrine, and Norepinephrine can contribute to mood disorders. Chronic stress often involves prolonged elevation or depletion of epinephrine and norepinephrine.
2. Chronic Fatigue
A mismatch between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters can drain your energy, leaving you persistently tired.
3. Impulsivity
Low or unstable levels of GABA, Dopamine, and Serotonin are often tied to ADD, ADHD, and OCD.
4. Insomnia
Disrupted sleep can stem from imbalances in Glutamate, Histamine, Dopamine, GABA, and Serotonin.
5. PMS & PMDD
Hormonal mood changes may involve Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and GABA imbalances.
Why Test Neurotransmitters and Hormones Together
Neurotransmitters don’t work in isolation — they’re influenced by hormones, which can affect their production, signaling, and breakdown. Testing both together provides a clearer, more precise clinical picture.
This dual approach can:
- Reduce trial-and-error in treatment
- Pinpoint targeted therapies
- Speed up the path to symptom relief
The Role of Elements in Brain Health
Heavy Metals
Exposure to metals like mercury or lead can disrupt neurotransmitter function, cause oxidative stress, and damage nerve cells. This can contribute to:
- Mood disorders
- Memory issues
- Increased risk of dementia
Nutritional Elements
Some minerals protect brain health. For example:
- Lithium: Supports mood stability and slows cognitive decline
- Iodine & Selenium: Support healthy thyroid and brain function
The ZRT Lab Advantage
ZRT offers the most complete neurotransmitter testing with a 24-hour equivalent assessment in just four simple at-home collections.
Why it’s convenient:
- Uses a dried urine method — no all-day jug collection
- Up to four filter-strip samples taken at home
- Shelf-stable for 30 days
- Easy to mail back
What the Testing Includes
ZRT offers a variety of test kits, measuring combinations of:
- Neurotransmitters: GABA, Glutamate, Glycine, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Histamine, Serotonin, PEA, and more
- Hormones: Cortisol, Cortisone, Melatonin, Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA-S
- Metabolites and related markers to give a full picture of your neurochemistry
Why This Matters
Neurotransmitter testing isn’t just about numbers on a chart — it’s about understanding your unique brain chemistry so your care can be targeted, effective, and personalized.
Balancing neurotransmitters can mean:
- Better mood
- Deeper sleep
- Sharper focus
- More energy
- Greater resilience to stress
If you’re struggling with persistent symptoms and suspect your brain chemistry might be part of the puzzle, neurotransmitter testing could be the key to restoring balance — and your quality of life.
Related Tests
Neurotransmitters Test Kit Includes:
Neurotransmitters - Dried Urine: GABA, Glu, Gly, DA, Epi, NE, HIST, 5-HT, PEA, DOPAC, HVA, 5-HIAA, NMN, VMA, Trp, Kyn, 3-OHKyn, Tau, Gln, His, N-MeHist, Tyra, KynAc, Xanth, Tyr, Crtn
Neurotransmitters + Saliva Steroids - Dried Urine: GABA, Glu, Gly, DA, Epi, NE, HIST, 5-HT, PEA, DOPAC, HVA, 5-HIAA, NMN, VMA, Trp, Kyn, 3-OHKyn, Tau, Gln, His, N-MeHist, Tyra, KynAc, Xanth, Tyr, Crtn Saliva: E2, Pg, T, DS, C
Neurotransmitters + Urine Diurnal Hormones (UDH) I - Dried Urine: GABA, Glu, Gly, DA, Epi, NE, HIST, 5-HT, PEA, DOPAC, HVA, 5-HIAA, NMN, VMA, Trp, Kyn, 3-OHKyn, Tau, Gln, His, N-MeHist, Tyra, KynAc, Xanth, Tyr, Free Cortisol x 4, Free Cortisone x 4, Crtn
Neurotransmitters + UDH II - Dried Urine: GABA, Glu, Gly, DA, Epi, NE, HIST, 5-HT, PEA, DOPAC, HVA, 5-HIAA, NMN, VMA, Trp, Kyn, 3-OHKyn, Tau, Gln, His, N-MeHist, Tyra, KynAc, Xanth, Tyr, Free Cortisol x 4, Free Cortisone x 4, Melatonin (MT6s) x 4, Crtn
Neurotransmitters + UDH III - Dried Urine: GABA, Glu, Gly, DA, Epi, NE, HIST, 5-HT, PEA, DOPAC, HVA, 5-HIAA, NMN, VMA, Trp, Kyn, 3-OHKyn, Tau, Gln, His, N-MeHist, Tyra, KynAc, Xanth, Tyr, Free Cortisol x 4, Free Cortisone x 4, Melatonin (MT6s) x 4, NE x 4, Epi x 4, Crtn
Neurotransmitters + Saliva Steroids + UDH III - Saliva: E2, Pg, T, DS, C | Urine: Trp, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, GABA, Gly, Tau, Glu, Gln, His, HIST, N-MeHist, PEA, Tyr, Tyra, DA, DOPAC, HVA, NE(x5), NMN, Epi(x5), VMA, Kyn, KynAc, 3OHKyn, Xanth, Crtn(x5), FC(x4), FCn(x4)