Analysis for noradrenaline: what it shows and when it should be taken
«"I'm constantly stressed. Is this normal or is it a hormonal imbalance?"»
The feeling that the body is working in emergency mode is familiar to many. Constant heartbeat, anxiety for no reason, sudden jumps in blood pressure are not always psychosomatic. Often these symptoms have hormonal nature, related to catecholamines, in particular — noradrenaline. To find out the reason, it is enough to do blood or urine noradrenaline level test.
What is noradrenaline?
Noradrenaline is hormone and neurotransmitter, secreted mainly by the adrenal glands and the sympathetic nervous system. It is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, i.e.:
increases blood pressure
accelerates the heartbeat
constricts blood vessels
mobilizes energy
Normally, norepinephrine helps you cope with stress. But its excess or deficiency leads to disruptions in the cardiovascular system, sleep, mood, and metabolism.
When is a noradrenaline test prescribed?
Suspected pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (hormonally active adrenal tumors)
Constantly high blood pressure for no reason
Paroxysmal hypertension with anxiety, sweating, palpitations
Arrhythmias of unknown origin
Assessment of stress reactions, panic attacks
Diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction
Monitoring in the treatment of adrenal tumors
How is the analysis performed?
Material:
Blood plasma (venous sampling)
Daily urine (more often when tumors are suspected)
Method:
Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (high-precision method)
Sometimes – fluorometry or ELISA
Preparation:
Do not use caffeine, chocolate, bananas, vanilla, citrus fruits 2 days before analysis
Avoid physical and emotional stress
If possible - cancel some medications (beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors, sympathomimetics - in consultation with a doctor)
What results are considered normal?
For blood plasma:
Noradrenaline:
adults — < 600 pg/ml
(exact limits depend on the laboratory)
For daily urine:
Noradrenaline:
< 80 mcg/day
What do deviations mean?
Increased noradrenaline:
Pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, paraganglioma
Stress, exercise, hypoglycemia
Hypertensive crises
Hyperthyroidism
Decreased noradrenaline:
Orthostatic hypotension
Sympathetic innervation disorders
Parkinson's disease, Shy-Drager syndrome
Dopamine beta hydroxylase deficiency
Is it possible to influence the level of noradrenaline?
Stress management: yoga, breathing exercises, psychotherapy
Physical activity: moderate activity stabilizes nervous regulation
Food: foods with tyrosine (turkey, salmon, eggs) can support synthesis
Medications: prescribed by a doctor for tumors or hypertension
Norepinephrine is not just about stress, but also about balance of the nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. If the body is sending signals in the form of heart palpitations, hypertension, or panic, an analysis for this hormone can be the key to understanding the situation.
Director of Medi Lab Plus LLC, a doctor of the highest category. Has over 45 years of practical experience in medicine and laboratory diagnostics. Founder and head of the laboratory since 2007. More details…