Your First Neurotransmitter Reports Ruth Hobson, ND Staff Physician Labrix
Sample NT Test Report
Adult Reference Ranges Female 17+ Analyte Range Lower range Upper range Serotonin 52-155 72.6 134.4 GABA 1.6-8.0 2.88 6.72 Dopamine 95-275 131 239 Norepinephri ne 15-78 27.6 65.4 Epinephrine 1.0-11.1 3.02 9.08 Glutamate 10-52 18.4 43.6 N/E ratio <11 ----- 8.8-11 Male 17+ Analyte Range Lower range Upper range Serotonin 42-105 54.6 92.4 GABA 1.4-5.0 2.12 4.28 Dopamine 90-220 116 194 Norepinep hrine Epinephrin e 12-50 19.6 42.4 0.9-9.2 2.56 7.54 Glutamate 8-45 15.4 37.6 N/E ratio <10.0 ----- 8.0-10
Pediatric Reference Ranges Analyte Ages 0-3 Low range Upper range Serotonin 130-415 187 358 GABA 2-15 4.6 12.4 Dopamine 200-800 320 680 Norepinephrine 25-126 45.2 105.8 Epinephrine 4.3-36 10.64 29.66 Glutamate 25-150 50 125 Analyte Ages 4-12 Low range Upper range Serotonin 70-280 112 238 GABA 1.6-12 3.68 9.92 Dopamine 150-600 240 510 Norepinephrine 20-104 36.8 87.2 Epinephrine 1.6-24 6.08 19.52 Glutamate 10-80 24 66
Pediatric Reference Ranges Analyte Ages 13-16 Low range Upper range Serotonin 58-200 86.4 171.6 GABA 1.6-10 3.28 8.32 Dopamine 125-450 190 385 Norepinephrine 17-90 31.6 75.4 Epinephrine 1.5-20 5.2 16.3 Glutamate 10-40 16 34 N/E ratio Reference range Upper range 0-12 <12 9.6-12 13-99 F <11 8.8-11 13-99 M <10 8-10
Creatinine Non-diagnostic Used to normalize concentration of NTs in urine. Concentration of creatinine directly reflects concentration of NTs; therefore, the NT levels are stated as a function of creatinine (industry standard) When doing any urine test that utilizes a creatinine correction, there will be differences between adult males and females, as well as children. Since males generally have a higher body mass, their creatinine is higher than females. Therefore, when you divide your measured value by creatinine, males will have lower reported levels than females and children, who have lower creatinine levels.
CASES
Wendy 56 year old postmenopausal female CC: Pronounced fatigue; energy (3/10) Inability to concentrate (6-8/10) NeuroAdrenal Panel (Cortisol x 4, DHEA, Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate)
Wendy Adrenal function results Phase 3 HPA axis/adrenal dysfunction
Wendy Neurotransmitter results Serotonin low range. Acute increase in epi/norepi noted. Contributing to wired and tired feeling and inability to maintain focus and concentration. Dopamine levels are low, resulting from increased epi/norepi production. Low GABA not sufficient to counterbalance excitability.
Wendy Treatment considerations Tx for adrenal cortex Hydrocortisone Adaptogenic herbs and nutrients DHEA Neurotransmitter support 5 HTP L-tyrosine and Macuna pruriens B complex, SAMe Promote GABA levels Glutamine (When giving glutamine for GABA, always give P5P). L-theanine Herbal blend containing anxiolytics like valerian, lemon balm, passion flower Vitamin D
Jeffrey 28 year old male CC: Impulsive Gaming and food addictions NeuroBasic panel (Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate)
Jeffrey Neurotransmitter results Elevated glutamate is commonly associated with increased impulsivity Low dopamine is associated with addictive tendency and sense of discontentment Inadequate GABA is insufficient to dampen the heightened glutamate
Jeffrey Treatment considerations Decrease dietary sources of glutamate (MSG, yeast extract and other hidden sources of free glutamic acid) Dampen glutamate activity: L-theanine Taurine NAC Increase dopamine levels: N-acetyl-L-tyrosine Mucuna pruriens Vitamin D Boost GABA/promote inhibition: P5P
Irina 49 yo postmenopausal female CC: Very high anxiety QD awakens her at night (7/10) IBS Bowel movements coincide with anxiety 6-10 loose stools some days however, then adds that some days, even though anxious, no BM at all NeuroBasic panel (Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate)
Irina Neurotransmitter results Serotonin is below the reference range Contributory to anxiety. Alternating diarrhea and constipation is consistent with the effects of serotonin within the proximal and distal intestinal tract (consider SIBO if further investigation is needed).
Irina Treatment considerations Support serotonin levels 5 HTP B complex Vitamin D Stress reduction techniques Probiotics and omega 3s
Neurotransmitter pathways
Summary Points Consider overall balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters Support low NT levels with precursor amino acids and elevated levels with applicable co-factors for enzyme function and metabolism Methylation support is a consideration with upper range or high N/E ratio and/or low monoamines. General support in the form of probiotics, omega 3 fatty acids, L-theanine and vitamin D will likely be important for every patient and a great place to start if you re unsure of treatment