Neurotransmitter Test (Large)

About this test – Neurotransmitter Test (Large)

Why test your neurotransmitter levels?

Neurotransmitters are produced and regulated through interconnected biochemical pathways, and changes may occur at different stages of these processes.

This test may be relevant when exploring:

• Low mood or lack of motivation

• Stress or difficulty coping with stress

• Sleep disturbances

• Difficulty with focus or concentration

• Persistent or complex symptoms not explained by basic testing

By including precursors and metabolites, this test can provide additional context when a more in-depth assessment of neurotransmitter activity is needed.

How it works

1. Collect a urine sample at home

2. Send your sample to the laboratory using the prepaid return envelope

3. Your sample is analysed using validated laboratory methods

4. Receive your digital results within 14 days

You can also use our AI-based chat to help interpret your results.

Key information

• Sample type: Urine

• Turnaround time: 14 days from when the lab receives your sample

• Results: Delivered digitally

• Laboratory: Accredited laboratory

• Shipping: Return shipping included

Accredited Laboratory

Your sample is analysed at a NATA-accredited laboratory in Australia, operating in accordance with ISO 15189 standards for medical testing. This ensures that all analyses are performed using validated methods and strict quality control procedures to provide accurate and reliable results.

Biomarkers included – Neurotransmitter Test (Large)

• GABA: Calming Neurotransmitters — GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter and helps regulate neuronal excitability by promoting calm signaling and preventing overstimulation. It counterbalances excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and is involved in pathways related to stress regulation, sleep, mood, and muscle tone. Altered GABA signaling has been linked to conditions such as an
• 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA): Calming Neurotransmitters — 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA) is the main breakdown product of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, appetite, gut motility and other body functions. Measuring 5-HIAA in urine can give insight into serotonin turnover, meaning how serotonin is being produced, used and metabolised. Higher or lower levels may reflect changes in serotonin metabolism, but should not be interprete
• Taurine: Calming Neurotransmitters — Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid, though not incorporated into proteins, that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. It is vital for bile acid conjugation, osmoregulation, membrane stabilization, and neurotransmission. Its levels can indicate nutritional status, cardiovascular health, and neurological function.
• Glycine: Calming Neurotransmitters — Glycine is the simplest amino acid and is involved in protein synthesis and many important metabolic pathways. It contributes to neurotransmission in the nervous system and is a building block for compounds such as glutathione (antioxidant defense), creatine (energy metabolism), and heme (oxygen transport). Glycine can be produced in the body, but requirements may increase under certain conditions
• Serotonin: Calming Neurotransmitters — Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter often called the “happiness chemical,” involved in regulating mood and emotional well-being. It also plays important roles in sleep, digestion, bone health, and blood clotting. Mainly produced in the gut, serotonin influences both the brain and body by affecting various physiological functions and emotional states. Imbalances in serotonin levels can have signifi
• Tryptophan: Calming Neurotransmitters — Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning the human body cannot produce it and must obtain it through diet. It serves as a precursor for crucial molecules like serotonin (a neurotransmitter regulating mood, sleep, and appetite) and melatonin (a hormone central to sleep-wake cycles). Optimal tryptophan levels are vital for neurological function, mental health, and sleep regulation.
• Xanthurenic Acid: Kynurenine Pathway and Inflammatory Markers — Xanthurenic Acid is a metabolite formed during the breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan through the kynurenine pathway. Its levels can reflect vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) status, as this vitamin acts as a vital cofactor in the process. Elevated xanthurenate may indicate a deficiency in vitamin B6.
• Kynurenic acid: Kynurenine Pathway and Inflammatory Markers — Kynurenic acid is a metabolite formed in the kynurenine pathway during the breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan. It functions in the nervous system as a neuroprotective agent and is of interest in neurological and psychiatric research. Imbalances in kynurenic acid levels have been associated with conditions such as schizophrenia and depression.
• 3-Hydroxykynurenine: Kynurenine Pathway and Inflammatory Markers — 3-Hydroxykynurenine (3-OH-kynurenine) is a metabolite in the kynurenine pathway, which reflects the breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan. It serves as an intermediate compound during the conversion of tryptophan into important molecules, including the essential coenzyme NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
• Kynurenine: Kynurenine Pathway and Inflammatory Markers — Kynurenine is a key metabolite in the tryptophan degradation pathway, playing important roles in immune regulation, neuroprotection, and inflammation. The kynurenine pathway is activated during immune responses and chronic inflammation, with various metabolites exerting either neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects. Elevated kynurenine relative to tryptophan (kynurenine/tryptophan ratio) indicates
• N-Methylhistamine: Stimulating Neurotransmitters and Precursors — N-Methylhistamine is a metabolite of histamine, produced when histamine is broken down in the body. Histamine plays roles in the immune system, allergic responses, stomach acid production, and signaling in the nervous system. Measuring N-methylhistamine helps provide insight into histamine activity and metabolism, which can reflect how actively histamine is being produced and processed in the body
• Histidine: Stimulating Neurotransmitters and Precursors — Histidine is an essential amino acid, particularly important for growth and tissue repair. It's a precursor to histamine, a molecule involved in immune responses, digestion, and sleep-wake cycles. Histidine also plays a role in maintaining the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells. Imbalances can be associated with inflammatory conditions, allergies, and neurological disorders.
• Glutamine: Stimulating Neurotransmitters and Precursors — Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in the body and is important for protein synthesis, nitrogen transport, and overall amino acid metabolism. It serves as a key fuel source for rapidly dividing cells, including immune cells and intestinal cells (enterocytes), supporting immune function and gut barrier integrity. Glutamine also participates in pathways related to acid–base balance and t
• Tyrosine: Stimulating Neurotransmitters and Precursors — Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that serves as a building block for proteins and is crucial for synthesizing neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, as well as thyroid hormones. Its levels are important for proper brain function, mood regulation, and metabolic health. Imbalances can be indicative of metabolic disorders or nutritional deficiencies.
• Tyramine: Stimulating Neurotransmitters and Precursors — Tyramine is a natural substance that the body produces from the amino acid tyrosine. It can also be found in certain foods, especially aged or fermented foods such as aged cheese, fermented soy products, and cured meats. In simple terms, tyramine is involved in the system that helps produce important brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which play roles in mood, alertness, and the bod
• Histamine: Stimulating Neurotransmitters and Precursors — Histamine is a biogenic amine and signaling molecule involved in immune responses, gastric acid secretion, and neurotransmission. It is released by mast cells and basophils during allergic reactions and inflammatory responses, causing vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and smooth muscle contraction. Histamine also regulates stomach acid production and functions as a neurotransmitter in
• Phenylethylamine (PEA): Stimulating Neurotransmitters and Precursors — Phenylethylamine (PEA) is a trace amine involved in the brain’s signalling systems. It is linked to mood, attention, motivation and the activity of other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline. PEA is sometimes described as a stimulant like signalling molecule because it can support alertness, focus and reward related pathways. Changes in PEA levels may reflect shifts in neurotransmi
• Glutamate: Stimulating Neurotransmitters and Precursors — Glutamate is a key excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a vital role in cognitive processes such as learning and memory. It is essential for brain development and synaptic plasticity. However, excessive glutamate levels can cause neuronal overstimulation, leading to potential neurotoxicity. This balance makes glutamate critical for normal brain function while also linking it to vari
• Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA): Dopamine and Adrenaline Pathway Markers — Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is a metabolite formed from the breakdown of catecholamines such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine. It is used as a clinical marker to assess catecholamine activity, with levels typically measured in urine. Various factors, including certain foods and medications, can influence VMA levels.
• Dopamine: Dopamine and Adrenaline Pathway Markers — Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter that supports the brain’s reward and motivation systems. It plays essential roles in mood regulation, pleasure, focus, memory, and movement control. Imbalances in dopamine levels can affect mental well-being and are linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s disease.
• Normetanephrine: Dopamine and Adrenaline Pathway Markers — Normetanephrine is a metabolite of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) formed when norepinephrine is broken down by the enzyme COMT. Norepinephrine is an important neurotransmitter and hormone involved in the body’s stress response, alertness, focus, and regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. Measuring normetanephrine provides information about catecholamine metabolism and how the body processes
• Adrenaline: Dopamine and Adrenaline Pathway Markers — Adrenaline is a hormone and neurotransmitter released during stressful or threatening situations. It activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and mental alertness. Elevated levels may reflect acute stress, while imbalances can affect how the body responds to pressure and external stimuli.
• Noradrenaline: Dopamine and Adrenaline Pathway Markers — Noradrenaline plays a central role in the body’s stress response and helps regulate alertness, focus, and blood pressure. It works closely with adrenaline and dopamine to support mental clarity and energy levels. Imbalances may affect concentration, stress tolerance, and overall nervous system activity.
• Homovanillic acid (HVA): Dopamine and Adrenaline Pathway Markers — Homovanillic acid (HVA) is a metabolite that reflects the breakdown of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in the body. HVA levels serve as an important marker for evaluating dopamine activity. Changes in HVA can indicate shifts in dopamine function and are used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments targeting dopamine metabolism.
• DOPAC: Dopamine and Adrenaline Pathway Markers — 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid / DOPAC is one of the main metabolites of dopamine, formed when dopamine is broken down by enzymes such as monoamine oxidase. Because dopamine is involved in movement, motivation, attention, and reward signaling, measuring DOPAC can help indicate dopamine turnover, meaning how actively dopamine is being produced, used, and metabolized in the body.
• Noradrenaline/Adrenaline ratio: Neurotransmitter Balance Ratio — The noradrenaline/adrenaline (NA/A) ratio is a measure that reflects the balance between two key stress hormones — noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine). Both play vital roles in the body’s fight-or-flight response, influencing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy mobilization. This ratio can shift in response to factors such as stress, physical activity, and overall health
• Creatinine: Urine Concentration Marker — Creatinine is a waste product formed in muscles from the normal breakdown of creatine. It is released into the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys, then excreted in urine. Because creatinine levels are influenced by how efficiently the kidneys filter blood, it is commonly used to assess kidney function. Elevated creatinine may indicate reduced kidney filtration or kidney disease, while low lev

How to prepare – Neurotransmitter Test (Large)

Avoid high-amine foods (bananas, chocolate, coffee, avocado, nuts) for 48 hours. Consult a doctor regarding medication pauses.

Frequently asked questions – Neurotransmitter Test (Large)

Is urine testing as accurate as blood testing for brain chemistry?

Urine testing measures the systemic excretion of neurotransmitters and their metabolites. While it does not measure 'brain levels' directly, it provides a validated clinical window into how your nervous system and gut-brain axis are processing these chemicals throughout the body.

Should I stop taking my medications or supplements before the test?

Certain supplements (like 5-HTP or L-Tyrosine) and medications (SSRIs/SNRIs) will significantly alter results. You should consult with your prescribing physician before pausing any medication. For the most 'baseline' reading, many choose to test while off supplements for 48-72 hours.

Are there dietary restrictions before taking the test?

To ensure accuracy, you must avoid foods high in amines for 24-48 hours before collection. This includes bananas, walnuts, avocados, chocolate, coffee, and vanilla, as these can artificially inflate levels of Serotonin or Dopamine metabolites.

Customer reviews – Neurotransmitter Test (Large)

4.6/5 (5)

• 4/5 — Really helped me understand my burnout better.
• 5/5 — High quality lab report and easy to follow instructions. Very advanced test!
• 4/5 — Good test, just make to sure avoid some foods 48 hours prior.
• 5/5 — Results took exactly 14 days and gave me some great insights into my GABA levels.
• 5/5 — The collection was very straightforward and I appreciate the deep dive into the kynurenine pathway.