What are neurotransmitters ?
Acute or chronic stress – whether it is physical or mental – can affect the balance of our neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are molecules that convey signals between nerve cells in our nervous system. Neurotransmitters are important for our behaviour and emotions and studies have shown that depression is linked to the levels of our neurotransmitters. This test measures GABA, glutamic acid, serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.
GABA
GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in our central nervous system. GABA reduces our stress response and is needed for sleep, to regulate appetite, blood pressure and to reduce anxiety. GABA is synthesised by glutamic acid.
GABA has a calming and relaxing effect and can reduce epileptic activity. Getting adequate sleep is one of the most important things for us to be able to recover and any imbalances in the levels of GABA can thus affect our well-being. If you are low on GABA, it is available as a supplement.
Glutamic acid / Glutamate
Glutamic acid / glutamate (not to be confused with the amino acid glutamine) is important for our cognitive ability, learning, memory and motor skills. It is the most important excitatory neurotransmitter and the neurotransmitter found in the largest amount in our brain. Glutamate is needed for the nerve signals between the cells to pass. During prolonged stress, glutamic acid is often elevated.
Many people think of glutamate as a food additive and glutamate is found naturally in meat, vegetables, wheat and soy and is used as a food additive to enhance the taste.
Serotonin
Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter for our general well-being and is a precursor to melatonin that is needed for our sleep, as well as an antagonist to cortisol. It is best known for its effect on our mood, but serotonin also has a positive effect on sleep, peristalsis, appetite and blood pressure.
- Antidepressant effect
- Calms anxiety
- Mood-raising
- Relaxing
- Regulates sleep
- Appetite regulator
Low levels are associated with, for example, obesity, depression, anxiety, insomnia, compulsive obsessive behaviour and migraines.
Stress affects the levels of serotonin. During acute stress, serotonin levels rise at first, but with prolonged stress, less and less serotonin is produced at the same time as the body uses more serotonin, which means that the levels decrease.
Dopamine
Dopamine is needed for our drive, motivation, concentration and our cognitive ability. Dopamine is part of our reward system and is known as the feel-good hormone. Low levels can make us feel unmotivated and depressed. Dopamine has also been linked to restless legs, impaired motor skills, obsessive compulsive and addictive behaviour. In Parkinson’s disease, the nerve cells that produce dopamine die, which leads to the tremors that occur with the disease.
Excessive levels of dopamine can lead to memory loss, anxiety, hyperactivity and mood swings. There is a direct link between addiction and imbalance in the dopamine levels.
Adrenaline
Adrenaline, also called epinephrine, is produced in the adrenal medulla and affects our mental activity, heart rate and blood pressure. Threatening and stressful situations can trigger the secretion of adrenaline.
Noradrenaline
The general function of noradrenaline, also called norepinephrine, is to mobilise the brain and body for action. It increases blood pressure and, together with dopamine, has a positive effect on motivation, concentration and motor skills. Norepinephrine increases with stress and is a precursor to adrenaline
How does the test work?
The Neurotransmitters Plus is a urine test which is done at home. You collect the sample from your second morning urine and put it in a test tube, then send it to our ISO certified lab for analysis. You will receive your test result digitally as soon as our lab has analysed your sample.
Before you start, you need to register your test. Your test kit contains a sticker with your unique test ID. Register your test ID at 
Collect your second morning urine after getting up, in a cup or glass. The second morning urine means the second time you urinate after getting up in the morning.
Hit the tube hard against something until the small white lump falls to the bottom of the tube.
Transfer urine from your cup or glass to the test tube using the supplied pipette and attach the cap to the tube. Make sure that the entire pipe is filled. Seal properly.
Then place the tube in the transport tube. Put your unique QR code on the test tube.
Put the tubes in the enclosed envelope. Store the samples in the refrigerator until you send them. Post the same day.
Sandy –
Great!
The package arrived in a neutral box. The test itself was easy to collect and return envelope was included as well, so all good. I got my result after 8 days. I appreciated that Neurotransmitters Plus was done anonymously using only a test ID.
Satisfied!
Rebecca –
Comprehensive, enlightening; a deep dive into mental chemical interactions. 🙂
Jemima –
I’ve been dealing with various health issues and have gone through multiple tests to figure out what’s going wrong. The neurotransmitters plus test from GetTested was a significant step in the right direction. I was able to take the test from the comfort of my home and send it back for analysis with ease. The results were thorough and gave me a better understanding of my health. I’m grateful for this service and how it has helped me navigate my health journey.
Lisa –
Embarking on a journey of self-improvement, I chanced upon the Neurotransmitters Plus test. Intrigued, I decided to explore the depths of my brain’s chemical balance. What transpired was nothing short of transformative.From the prompt delivery of the kit to the in-depth, easy-to-understand instructions, my initial interactions were nothing but positive. Collecting the sample was hassle-free, and the waiting period for the results was manageable.
When the results landed, they were a revelation. Not only did they detail the status of my neurotransmitters, but they also provided an invaluable understanding of how these chemicals played a role in my day-to-day life, from mood swings to energy levels. Having these insights was like holding a mirror to my mind, revealing aspects of my mental state I’d never considered. Discussing these findings with my doctor, we chalked out a holistic approach to bettering my mental well-being. Today, I feel more attuned to my mind, understanding its ebb and flow. The Neurotransmitters Plus test is not merely a diagnostic tool; it’s a window to self-awareness. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Prudence –
Great service, detailed results. Definitely worth trying.
Samantha Brewer –
Taking the Neurotransmitters Plus test was a pivotal decision in my mental health journey. The kit was efficiently delivered, and the sample collection process was straightforward, thanks to the detailed instructions. The results, thorough and elucidating, offered a profound understanding of my neurotransmitters and their influence on my overall mental state. This test is a must for anyone serious about understanding the nuances of their mind.
Eliza Harmon :) –
Science has always suggested that our minds are a complex web of interactions, but nothing brought it home for me quite like the Neurotransmitters Plus test. Having always been a proponent of understanding oneself better, I felt this test might offer a deeper dive into the intricacies of my brain’s chemistry. I wasn’t wrong. The delivery of the kit was commendably swift, and its contents neatly organized. What I particularly appreciated was the exhaustive instructional guide that accompanied the kit, ensuring that even someone unfamiliar with such tests could navigate the process with ease. Collecting the sample was, therefore, a walk in the park. The results, once they arrived, were a treasure trove of information. Each neurotransmitter was meticulously detailed, explaining its level and influence on mood, cognition, and overall mental health. The insights were not merely academic. They helped bridge the gap between my daily experiences and their potential neurochemical origins. Sharing these findings with my healthcare practitioner, we worked collaboratively to address certain imbalances, and I’ve since felt a palpable improvement in my cognitive and emotional well-being. For anyone contemplating taking charge of their mental health, this test is a powerful tool. It’s a marriage of science and introspection, leading to actionable, beneficial insights. 🙂 🙂
Hedley Spofforth –
The neurotransmitters plus test was easy to use and very informative.
Kerensa –
An efficient and enlightening service from GetTested.
Derek –
Revealing test, bridging daily experiences with neurochemical insights.
Marco –
The Neurotransmitters Plus test was my first foray into understanding my mind’s neurochemistry. The process, right from ordering to receiving results, was streamlined. The clarity of the instructions ensured a stress-free sample collection. The results were eye-opening. Understanding my neurotransmitter levels and their implications was enlightening, giving clarity to certain behavioral patterns. It’s a comprehensive tool for anyone wishing to deepen their self-awareness and mental health journey.