Depression & mood swings

Understanding Neurotransmitters and Their Balance
Neurotransmitters, crucial molecules in our nervous system, transmit signals between nerve cells. They significantly influence our behavior, emotions, and mental health. For instance, imbalances in neurotransmitters can link to depression. Our Neurotransmitters Basic test measures key neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline (epinephrine), and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), providing insights into your mental and emotional well-being.
For a more comprehensive analysis including GABA and glutamate, consider the Neurotransmitter Test Plus.
Key Neurotransmitters Analyzed

Serotonin: This neurotransmitter plays a vital role in mood regulation, sleep, appetite, and blood pressure. Initially, acute stress elevates serotonin levels, but chronic stress can deplete them, leading to conditions like depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Dopamine: Known as the feel-good hormone, dopamine drives our motivation, concentration, and cognitive abilities. It's essential in our reward system, and imbalances can result in issues like depression, restless legs, and compulsive behaviors. Parkinson's disease, characterized by tremors, is also linked to dopamine deficiency.
Adrenaline (Epinephrine): Produced in the adrenal medulla, adrenaline boosts mental activity, heart rate, and blood pressure, particularly in response to stress.
Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine): This neurotransmitter prepares the brain and body for action, increasing blood pressure and enhancing motivation and concentration. It's a precursor to adrenaline and rises with stress.

How the Test Works
You can easily complete our Neurotransmitters Basic test at home. Just fill a tube with your second morning urine sample and send it to our ISO-certified lab. We'll analyze your sample for levels of dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and the adrenaline to noradrenaline ratio.
We also measure creatinine to ensure your urine concentration is normal, as abnormal dilution or concentration can affect the test results. Once the analysis is complete, you'll receive your results digitally.

What are Neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters, the body's chemical messengers, play a pivotal role in our behavior and emotions. Acute or chronic stress, whether physical or mental, can disrupt their delicate balance. Our Neurotransmitter Plus Test offers an insightful analysis of key neurotransmitters: GABA, glutamic acid, serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and their ratio, providing a comprehensive look into your mental and emotional health.
GABA: The Calming Neurotransmitter
GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) acts as the central nervous system's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, crucial for reducing stress responses. It aids in sleep regulation, appetite control, blood pressure, and anxiety reduction. GABA, synthesized from glutamic acid, has a vital role in calming the brain and is available as a supplement for those with low levels.
Glutamic Acid/Glutamate: The Cognitive Enhancer
Glutamic acid, or glutamate, is essential for cognitive functions like learning, memory, and motor skills. As the brain's most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter, it facilitates nerve signal transmission. Prolonged stress can often elevate glutamic acid levels. Besides its neurological role, glutamate is also a common food additive, enhancing flavor in various foods.
Serotonin: Mood and Sleep Regulator
Serotonin significantly impacts mood, sleep, appetite, and blood pressure. It's known for its antidepressant and anxiety-reducing effects, as well as its ability to regulate sleep and appetite. Low levels of serotonin can lead to obesity, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and migraines. Stress affects serotonin production, with levels typically dropping during prolonged stress periods.
Dopamine: The Reward and Motivation Molecule
Dopamine drives motivation, concentration, and cognitive ability. As a critical component of the reward system, it's often referred to as the 'feel-good hormone.' Low dopamine levels are linked to depression, restless legs, and compulsive behaviors. Conversely, high levels can cause memory issues and mood swings. Dopamine imbalances are also associated with addiction.
Adrenaline: The Stress Response Trigger
Produced in the adrenal medulla, adrenaline (epinephrine) boosts mental activity, heart rate, and blood pressure, especially under stress or in threatening situations.
Noradrenaline: Action and Concentration Booster
Noradrenaline (norepinephrine), vital for mobilizing the brain and body for action, increases blood pressure and aids motivation and concentration. It rises with stress and serves as a precursor to adrenaline.
How the Test Works
The Neurotransmitters Plus is a simple, at-home urine test. Just collect your second morning urine in the provided test tube and send it to our ISO-certified lab. You'll receive your digital results promptly after analysis, offering you a detailed view of your neurotransmitter levels.

DNA Brain Health Test from GetTested
Explore your genetic profile with the DNA Brain Health test from GetTested. This easy-to-perform at-home test, requiring only a saliva sample, provides insights into how your genes affect your mental health. It encompasses memory, cognitive functions, mood swings, and stress management.
Who Is the DNA Test Suitable For?
This test is ideal for anyone wanting to understand how their genetics impact their mental well-being. It is particularly useful for those looking to explore genetic factors behind stress, anxiety, or addictions.
The Testing Process
After collecting your saliva sample at home and sending it back, it takes 6-8 weeks to receive the results. These results provide not only a detailed genetic analysis but also customized recommendations. They help you better understand and manage your mental health.

The Role of Hormones
Progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol each play unique roles in the body, affecting everything from brain function to stress response.
Who Should Take This Test?
This test is ideal if you want a comprehensive view of your hormones, including cortisol. Men should opt for the Men's Hormone Test.
Common Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances
You might experience mood swings, depression, PMS, irregular periods, PCOS, infertility, menopausal symptoms, endometriosis, low libido, tender breasts, heavy periods, brain fog, impaired memory, weight gain, osteoporosis, vaginal dryness, headaches, and loose stools before and during menstruation, among other symptoms.
DHEA: A Versatile HormoneDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), or androstenolone, is a hormone that converts into both testosterone and estrogen. It's so potent that excessive doses classify as performance-enhancing drugs. DHEA peaks in our 20s and then gradually declines post-30. It boosts mental and physical performance, energy, memory, muscle mass, skin quality, body odor, bone mass, and puberty development, while keeping us young and healthy.
Cortisol: The Stress HormoneOur test measures your morning cortisol levels. For diurnal cortisol measurement, we recommend the Cortisol Test, taken 7 times throughout the day. Cortisol, a stress hormone from the adrenal glands, boosts physical and mental performance in stressful situations. Both high and low levels can be problematic.
Estrogen: Key to FertilityThe Women's Hormone Test measures estradiol (E2) and its ratio to progesterone. Estradiol, the most crucial estrogen, is known as the fertility hormone in women.
Progesterone: More Than a Sex HormoneProgesterone, primarily a female sex hormone, influences fertility and is a precursor to sex hormones testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol. It's vital for the central nervous system. Its levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and increase post-ovulation.
Testosterone in WomenThough often seen as a male hormone, women need testosterone for energy, libido, and muscle building. Women with PCOS often have higher testosterone levels.
How to Take the Women's Hormone Test
Perform this saliva test at home by taking two samples: one immediately after waking up and another 30 minutes later. If menstruating, collect samples a week post-ovulation, around day 21. In or post-menopause, timing is more flexible. After collection, send the samples to our lab. You will receive your results online.

GetTested's Gut Microbiome Test XL
GetTested's Gut Microbiome Test XL is our most detailed test for assessing gut health. It checks for leaky gut, yeast overgrowths like Candida, and beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Additionally, this test evaluates your digestion, inflammation markers, and more.
Why "Gut Test for Stressed People"?
At GetTested, we often refer to this test as perfect for those experiencing stress. Stress affects energy, mood, and notably, digestion. It triggers the sympathetic nervous system and dampens the parasympathetic system, disrupting digestive functions. An unbalanced gut can significantly affect overall body health, highlighting the 'Gut-Brain connection'. Studies link gut health with mental conditions, including depression, autism, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
Understanding Leaky Gut
The term 'leaky gut' refers to a condition where the intestinal lining becomes overly permeable. This allows particles like undigested food and bacteria to seep into the bloodstream. The immune system reacts to these foreign substances, potentially leading to conditions like hypothyroidism, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, allergies, IBS, and various autoimmune diseases. Symptoms range from food intolerances and fatigue to brain fog, skin problems, and depression. Testing for leaky gut is essential in identifying and managing these health issues.
Who Should Take GetTested's Gut Microbiome Test XL?
Anyone looking for a thorough analysis of their gut health will find this test beneficial. It's especially useful for those with digestive issues like IBS, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, weight challenges, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, depression, or those just wanting to optimize their overall health.
This test is not suitable for babies or children below the age of 6 years old.
How to Take the Test
All of GetTested's health tests, including this stool test, are designed for easy at-home use. The test kit includes everything needed. After completing the test, send it to our ISO-certified lab. Your digital results will be promptly sent to you.