What is Dopamine?
Dopamine is one of the catecholamines. Catecholamines are hormones made by the adrenal glands. The three catecholamines are epinephrine (adrenalin), norepinephrine, and dopamine.
They are produced in the adrenal glands, the brainstem, and the brain. They circulate in the blood where they act as hormones and are broken down after just a few minutes. They are then excreted in the urine. Catecholamines have a half-life of approximately a few minutes when circulating in the blood.
Catecholamines are an important part of the body’s stress response, which can be vital in a fight-or-flight response to a perceived threat.
Dopamine is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system and is involved in the control of movement.
Dopamine is synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine.
References:
- https://reference.medscape.com/medline/abstract/24203573
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11035/
Dopamine
Every lab result you’ve ever had, charted and explained.
Healthmatters is a tracker for your lab results. Upload a report from any lab, any country — every marker charted and explained.
Start with my report →
All our content is backed by peer-reviewed studies, academic research, and trusted medical sources. We’re committed to accuracy and transparency — see our editorial policy for details.