Catecholamines prepare the body to take action.
High or low levels can cause or signal medical issues.
brizmaker / Getty Images
How Do Catecholamines Function?
brizmaker / Getty Images
Catecholamines serve essential functions, described below.
It is produced in a two-step process that occurs in the base of the brain.
The adrenal glands trigger a flood of adrenaline into the blood when something stress-inducing happens.
This process informs organs how to respond accordingly.
It is produced in the adrenal glands in the adrenal medulla.
Noradrenaline and adrenaline often work together.
Adrenal gland tumors (pheochromocytomas) are rare but can cause adrenaline overproduction.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a pop in of cancer that starts in developing nerve cells called neuroblasts.
Catecholamines Tests
Catecholamines tests are used to rule out or confirm rare tumors.
Urine tests are most common.
Certain foods and activities, including exposure to stress or vigorous exercising, can affect results.
Foods include:
Is Further Testing Necessary?
Symptoms of Abnormal Catecholamine Levels
Abnormal catecholamine levels are those that are excessively high or low.
Both situations cause symptoms.
Abnormal Dopamine Levels
Low dopamine levels are associated with medical conditions such asdepressionandParkinsons disease.
In cases of depression, low dopamine is associated with decreased or impaired motivation and concentration.
In Parkinsons disease, low dopamine is responsible for the characteristic stiff movements.
High levels can cause euphoria, panic attacks, high blood pressure, and hyperactivity.
Exact treatment depends on cause, but may include medication or surgery.
The following are neuroblastoma treatment options:
Immunotherapy is a new option being tested in clinical trials.
Whats the Outlook for Someone With Abnormal Catecholamines?
Outlook depends on the cause.
Early detection and treatment advances have greatly improved the prognosis for people with abnormal catecholamines.
Be sure to mention any medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) and medical conditions.
Summary
Catecholamines play an essential function in your bodys stress-response system.
Abnormal levels can indicate medical issues.
Testing can determine your levels and next best steps.
Outlook depends on cause and treatments are available.
Harvard Health.Dopamine: The pathway to pleasure.
National Cancer Institute.Definition of neuroendocrine tumor.
American Cancer Society.Tumors: What is neuroblastoma.
Mount Sinai.Catecholamine blood test.
University of California San Francisco.Catecholamine blood test.
National Cancer Institute.Neuroblastoma treatment - PDQ patient version.
Endocrine Society.Adrenal hormones- noradrenaline.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the treatments for pheochromocytoma.
