Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the body that transmit signals from nerve cells to target cells in muscles, glands, and other nerves.
They regulate our heart rate, breathing, sleep, digestion, mood, concentration, movement, appetite. Examples are dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, GABA, acetylcholine, glutamate, endorphins.
Imbalances in these neurotransmitters may result in conditions such as ADHD, OCD, insomnia, PMS, chronic fatigue, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, weight gain, thyroid dysfunction, migraines, hormonal imbalances, eating disorders
Neurotransmitter testing is done along with hormone testing because hormones modulate the production, signaling, and metabolism of neurotransmitters. This testing allows for a more precise diagnosis and reduces the long process of trial-and-error medication prescribing, and provides the advantage of selecting the exact medication that is best suited for the patient.