Neurotransmitter Testing in Sacramento, CA
Anxiety, depression, brain fog, mood swings, insomnia — these aren’t just “in your head.” They’re often the result of measurable chemical imbalances in your nervous system. At Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center in Sacramento, CA, we offer comprehensive neurotransmitter testing to identify these imbalances and build a targeted natural treatment plan to restore your mental and emotional wellbeing. Call (916) 446-2591 to learn more.
FREE 15 Minute ApptUnderstanding Neurotransmitters and How They Affect Your Health
The human body’s communication system is one of the most intricate and finely tuned systems in nature. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry signals between nerve cells throughout your brain and body — governing mood, cognition, sleep, energy, pain perception, and much more.
When neurotransmitters fall out of balance — due to chronic stress, poor diet, pharmaceutical or recreational drug use, trauma, or toxic exposures — the effects can be wide-ranging and debilitating. Imbalanced neurotransmitters are associated with:
- Anxiety, nervousness, and tension
- Depression and persistent low mood
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Irritability and emotional dysregulation
- Brain fog, poor focus, and memory issues
- Fatigue and low motivation
- Chronic pain and heightened pain sensitivity
- Addictive behaviors and cravings
At Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center, we use urine-based neurotransmitter testing through Sanesco Health to identify exactly which neurotransmitters are out of range — so we can address the underlying biochemistry rather than simply masking symptoms with medication.
Neurotransmitters We Test
Our neurotransmitter panel assesses the key chemical messengers that govern your mental and emotional health:
- Serotonin — Regulates mood, happiness, appetite, and sleep; low levels are linked to depression and anxiety
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) — The brain’s primary calming neurotransmitter; deficiency is associated with anxiety and insomnia
- Glutamate — The main excitatory neurotransmitter; excess is linked to anxiety, restlessness, and neurotoxicity
- Dopamine — Governs motivation, reward, focus, and pleasure; imbalances are linked to depression, ADHD, and addictive behavior
- Norepinephrine — Regulates attention, alertness, and the stress response; imbalances contribute to anxiety and mood disorders
- Epinephrine (Adrenaline) — The acute stress hormone; elevated levels are associated with anxiety, panic, and adrenal burnout
Natural Treatment for Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Once we identify your specific neurotransmitter profile, our naturopathic doctors at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center create a personalized treatment plan that may include targeted amino acid therapy, nutritional supplements, dietary modifications, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies. This approach gets to the root cause of your symptoms rather than simply suppressing them.
Neurotransmitter testing pairs especially well with our salivary hormone testing — since adrenal hormones like cortisol have a direct impact on brain chemistry — as well as functional diagnostic testing to rule out nutritional deficiencies that affect neurotransmitter production.
Call (916) 446-2591 to schedule your neurotransmitter testing consultation at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center in Sacramento, CA.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neurotransmitter Testing
What is neurotransmitter testing and why is it done?
Neurotransmitter testing measures the levels of key brain chemicals — including serotonin, dopamine, GABA, glutamate, norepinephrine, and epinephrine — to identify imbalances that may be contributing to mood disorders, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and cognitive difficulties. At Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center, we use urine-based testing through Sanesco Health to get an accurate picture of your neurochemical balance so we can design a targeted natural treatment plan.
What are the signs that I might have a neurotransmitter imbalance?
Common signs include persistent anxiety or nervousness, depression or low mood, difficulty sleeping, brain fog, poor focus or concentration, chronic fatigue, mood swings, irritability, low motivation, and cravings or addictive tendencies. If you’ve tried conventional treatments without lasting results, neurotransmitter testing may reveal underlying imbalances that haven’t been addressed.
Is neurotransmitter testing accurate?
Yes. Urine-based neurotransmitter testing through validated labs like Sanesco provides clinically meaningful data on neurotransmitter activity. While no single test tells the whole story, it gives our naturopathic doctors at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center valuable, actionable information that is not available through standard conventional testing. We interpret your results in the context of your full health history for the most accurate picture.
Can neurotransmitter imbalances be treated naturally?
Absolutely. Many neurotransmitter imbalances respond very well to targeted nutritional and herbal therapies. Common natural approaches include amino acid therapy (such as 5-HTP for serotonin, L-tyrosine for dopamine, and GABA supplementation), dietary improvements, stress management strategies, and herbal adaptogens. Our doctors at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center will create a personalized plan based on your specific test results.
How does neurotransmitter testing relate to hormone testing?
Hormones and neurotransmitters are deeply interconnected. For example, chronic stress elevates cortisol (a salivary hormone we test), which directly depletes serotonin and other neurotransmitters over time. Thyroid dysfunction can also impact brain chemistry. For this reason, we often recommend combining neurotransmitter testing with salivary hormone testing and ThyroFlex testing for a complete neurohormonal picture.
How is the neurotransmitter test performed?
The test is performed using a urine collection kit from Sanesco Health. You’ll collect urine samples at home according to the provided instructions and submit them to the lab. There are no needles or blood draws required. Results are typically available within one to two weeks and will be reviewed with you by one of our naturopathic doctors at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center.
Who performs neurotransmitter testing at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center?
Neurotransmitter testing is ordered and interpreted by our licensed naturopathic doctors at Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center. Dr. Godby and his team have extensive experience using functional lab testing — including neurotransmitter panels — to identify the root biochemical causes of mood disorders and neurological symptoms. Call (916) 446-2591 to schedule your consultation.