Epinephrine

check icon Optimal Result: 10 - 15 ug/g Cr.

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a monoamine that operates both as a stress hormone and excitatory neurotransmitter. It is one of three neurotransmitters called catecholamines, the others being dopamine and norepinephrine. Epinephrine acts as a potent agonist of alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, which powerfully stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. The adrenal glands secrete most of the epinephrine in the body during acute stress, while a smaller amount is produced in and secreted by neurons of the sympathetic nervous system.

Epinephrine’s primary function is to prepare the body for the energy and alertness required to respond to stressors. It achieves this by binding to alpha and beta adrenergic receptors and causing changes in organ function. Epinephrine increases blood pressure and flow by increasing the rate and force of cardiac contractions, while blood vessels constrict throughout the body, and dilate in key areas such as the skeletal muscle and liver. Skeletal muscles receive additional blood flow and resources, while the smooth muscles of the lungs are relaxed, allowing for bronchodilation and increased oxygen intake. Blood glucose levels are increased by initiating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver, providing the body with fuel. Dilator muscles in the eye constrict, dilating the pupils for improved visual acuity. Blood flow to the gut decreases, while the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines relax, slowing or even halting digestion.

Most of the epinephrine in the body is produced by chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla of the adrenal gland and is secreted into the bloodstream as a hormone. A small amount of epinephrine that serves as a neurotransmitter is produced by neurons of the sympathetic nervous system. Tyrosine, an amino acid produced in the liver or obtained from the diet, serves as the precursor for catecholamine synthesis, which begins with the uptake of tyrosine into the cytoplasm. Enzymatic reactions convert tyrosine into L-Dopa, then dopamine, norepinephrine, and finally epinephrine. The catecholamine pathway is facilitated by cofactors that work with enzymes to synthesize and break down neurotransmitters. These cofactors include tetrahydrobiopterin, iron, copper, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, and s-adenosylmethionine.

What’s the difference between epinephrine and Norepinephrine?

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are two closely related hormones, also known as catecholamines, that are released by the adrenal glands and play a role in the body's stress response. While both hormones have similar effects, there are some key differences between them:

Location of release: Epinephrine is primarily released from the adrenal medulla, which is located in the center of the adrenal gland, while norepinephrine is primarily released from sympathetic nerve endings throughout the body.

Mode of action: Epinephrine acts on both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, while norepinephrine primarily acts on alpha adrenergic receptors.

Effects on the body: Epinephrine is known for its effects on the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, and is often called the "fight or flight" hormone. It increases heart rate, dilates bronchial tubes, and constricts blood vessels, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Norepinephrine also increases heart rate and blood pressure, but has more of a vasoconstrictive effect on blood vessels, leading to an increase in peripheral resistance.

In summary, while epinephrine and norepinephrine are both important hormones involved in the stress response, they differ in their site of release, mode of action, and effects on the body.

Referenes:

  1. Feher J. Cells, Synapses, and Neurotransmitters. In: Quantitative Human Physiology. 2nd ed.: Academic Press; 2016:1008.
  2. Romero LJ, Butler LK. International Journal of Comparative Psychology. 2007;20:89-95.
  3. Robertson D, ed Primer on the Autonomic Nervous System. Academic Press; 2012.
  4. Salvio G, Martino M, Giancola G, Arnaldi G, Balercia G. Hypothalamic–Pituitary Diseases and Erectile Dysfunction. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021; 10(12):2551. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10122551
  5. Davison AS, Jones DM, Ruthven S, Helliwell T, Shore SL. Clinical evaluation and treatment of phaeochromocytoma. Ann Clin Biochem. 2018 Jan;55(1):34-48. doi: 10.1177/0004563217739931. Epub 2017 Nov 8. PMID: 29027806.
  6. Farzam K, Kidron A, Lakhkar AD. Adrenergic Drugs. [Updated 2022 Dec 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534230/
  7. Sun Q, Cao H, et al. Biomed Chromatogr. 2016;30(11):1820-1834.
  8. Hase A, Jung SE, aan het Rot M. Behavioral and cognitive effects of tyrosine intake in healthy human adults. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2015 Jun;133:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.03.008. Epub 2015 Mar 20. PMID: 25797188.
  9. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Sep;98(37):e17186. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017186. PMID: 31517876; PMCID: PMC6750292.

What does it mean if your Epinephrine result is too high?

How does Epinephrine become imbalanced?

Stress:

While the definition of a stressful situation may have evolved over the past millennium, our body's response to it has remained constant. Whether it's traffic congestion, familial conflicts, contentious political discourse, or unpleasant work conditions, these stressors are equally capable of triggering the fight-or-flight response, similar to how a buffalo stampede would have done 200 years ago.

For the most part, today’s stressors are not life-threatening, but they’re more common than stressors of the past.

Epinephrine’s job is to activate the fight-or-flight response, not sustain it. The HPA axis, a network consisting of the hypothalamus (H), pituitary gland (P), and the adrenal glands (A), sets off a cascade of stress hormones in response to the initial surge of epinephrine.

When the threat eventually passes, cortisol levels will fall, heart rate and blood pressure will return to normal, and other affected organ systems will resume their normal activity. However, frequent surges of epinephrine can damage blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Elevated levels of cortisol can impact blood sugar levels, weight management, immune system activity, digestion, and even erectile function and the menstrual cycle. 5,6

Other causes of epinephrine imbalance include:

Maldigestion or malabsorption. Problems digesting and using nutrients from the diet can make it difficult for the body to produce epinephrine. Amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals are required for the body to produce healthy levels of epinephrine.

Hormone imbalances. Epinephrine is a key part of the HPA axis and when other hormones are imbalanced, it can throw off epinephrine levels as well. Cortisol and insulin are known to interact with epinephrine.

Methylation problems. To make epinephrine and dispose of it, the body needs to move around small chemical groups called “methyl groups.” This process doesn’t work optimally in all people and requires B vitamins, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and, for epinephrine production, adequate cortisol.

High epinephrine levels can cause:

  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Changes in heart rate
  • Increased sweating
  • Cold and/or pale skin (from constriction of blood vessels)
  • Shakiness or jitters
  • Headaches

Although rare, pheochromocytomas, neuroblastomas, and paragangliomas are tumors that can increase catecholamine secretion and cause high epinephrine levels. They are found in and around the adrenal gland. These types of tumors are diagnosed by biopsy and elevated 24-hour urinary catecholamines. 7

There are several natural ways to support epinephrine balance in the body, including:

Exercise: Regular physical activity can help regulate stress levels and improve the body's response to stressors.

Meditation: Mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a healthier stress response.

Adequate Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and can help regulate stress hormones like epinephrine.

Balanced Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in nutrients like vitamins B and C, magnesium, and zinc can help support the body's stress response.

Herbal Supplements: Certain herbal supplements like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and ginseng have been shown to help regulate the body's stress response and support healthy epinephrine levels.

It's important to note that these natural approaches can be used in conjunction with medical treatment but should not be used as a replacement for professional medical advice.

All Your Lab Results.
One Simple Dashboard.

What does it mean if your Epinephrine result is too low?

How does Epinephrine become imbalanced?

Stress:

While the definition of a stressful situation may have evolved over the past millennium, our body's response to it has remained constant. Whether it's traffic congestion, familial conflicts, contentious political discourse, or unpleasant work conditions, these stressors are equally capable of triggering the fight-or-flight response, similar to how a buffalo stampede would have done 200 years ago.

For the most part, today’s stressors are not life-threatening, but they’re more common than stressors of the past.

Epinephrine’s job is to activate the fight-or-flight response, not sustain it. The HPA axis, a network consisting of the hypothalamus (H), pituitary gland (P), and the adrenal glands (A), sets off a cascade of stress hormones in response to the initial surge of epinephrine.

When the threat eventually passes, cortisol levels will fall, heart rate and blood pressure will return to normal, and other affected organ systems will resume their normal activity. However, frequent surges of epinephrine can damage blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Elevated levels of cortisol can impact blood sugar levels, weight management, immune system activity, digestion, and even erectile function and the menstrual cycle. 5,6

Other causes of epinephrine imbalance include:

Maldigestion or malabsorption. Problems digesting and using nutrients from the diet can make it difficult for the body to produce epinephrine. Amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals are required for the body to produce healthy levels of epinephrine.

Hormone imbalances. Epinephrine is a key part of the HPA axis and when other hormones are imbalanced, it can throw off epinephrine levels as well. Cortisol and insulin are known to interact with epinephrine.

Methylation problems. To make epinephrine and dispose of it, the body needs to move around small chemical groups called “methyl groups.” This process doesn’t work optimally in all people and requires B vitamins, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and, for epinephrine production, adequate cortisol.

Low epinephrine levels have been associated with:

  • Anxiousness
  • Decreased mood
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Poor blood sugar management
  • Changes in blood pressure and heart rate

There are several natural ways to support epinephrine balance in the body, including:

Exercise: Regular physical activity can help regulate stress levels and improve the body's response to stressors.

Meditation: Mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a healthier stress response.

Adequate Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and can help regulate stress hormones like epinephrine.

Balanced Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in nutrients like vitamins B and C, magnesium, and zinc can help support the body's stress response.

Herbal Supplements: Certain herbal supplements like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and ginseng have been shown to help regulate the body's stress response and support healthy epinephrine levels.

It's important to note that these natural approaches can be used in conjunction with medical treatment but should not be used as a replacement for professional medical advice.

Laboratories

Bring All Your Lab Results Together — In One Place

We accept reports from any lab, so you can easily collect and organize all your health information in one secure spot.

lab corp logo
genova diagnostics logo
quest diagnostics logo
dutch test logo
doctors data logo
vibrant america logo
diagnostic solutions logo
zrt laboratory logo
the great plains laboratory logo
cyrex laboratories logo
spectracell logo

Pricing Table

decoration

Personal plans

$15/ month

Complete Plan

Access your lab reports, explanations, and tracking tools.

  • Import lab results from any provider
  • Track all results with visual tools
  • Customize your reference ranges
  • Export your full lab history anytime
  • Share results securely with anyone
  • Begin with first report entered
  • Cancel or upgrade anytime

$250/ once

Unlimited Account

Pay once, access everything—no monthly fees, no limits.

  • Import lab results from any provider
  • Track all results with visual tools
  • Customize your reference ranges
  • Export your full lab history anytime
  • Share results securely with anyone
  • Receive 10 reports entered for you
  • Skip the $15/month subscription — no recurring payments ever

$45/ month

Pro Monthly

Designed for professionals managing their clients' lab reports

  • Import lab results from any provider
  • Track lab results for multiple clients
  • Customize reference ranges per client
  • Export lab histories and reports
  • Begin with first report entered by us
  • Cancel or upgrade anytime

About membership

What's included in a Healthmatters membership

microscope icon Import Lab Results from Any Source

person icon See Your Health Timeline

book icon Understand What Your Results Mean

textbook icon

textbook icon Visualize Your Results

folder icon

folder icon

card icon Securely Share With Anyone You Trust

Let Your Lab Results Tell the Full Story

What Healthmatters Members Are Saying

5 stars rating

I have been using Healthmatters.io since 2021. I travel all over the world and use different doctors and health facilities. This site has allowed me to consolidate all my various test results over 14 years in one place. And every doctor that I show this to has been impressed. Because with  any health professional I talk to, I can pull up historical results in seconds. It is invaluable. Even going back to the same doctor, they usually do not have the historical results from their facility in a graph format. That has been very helpful.

Anthony

Unlimited Plan Member since 2021

5 stars rating

What fantastic service and great, easy-to-follow layouts! I love your website; it makes it so helpful to see patterns in my health data. It's truly a pleasure to use. I only wish the NHS was as organized and quick as Healthmatters.io. You've set a new standard for health tracking!

Karin

Advanced Plan Member since 2020

5 stars rating

As a PRO member and medical practitioner, Healthmatters.io has been an invaluable tool for tracking my clients' data. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to monitor trends and spot patterns over time. The ability to customize reports and charts helps me present information clearly to my clients, improving communication and outcomes. It's streamlined my workflow, saving me time and providing insights at a glance. Highly recommended for any practitioner looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to track patient labs!

Paul

Healthmatters Pro Member since 2024

Use promo code to save 10% off any plan.

Frequently asked questions

Healthmatters is a personal health dashboard that helps you organize and understand your lab results. It collects and displays your medical test data from any lab in one secure, easy-to-use platform.

  • Individuals who want to track and understand their health over time.
  • Health professionals, such as doctors, nutritionists, and wellness coaches, need to manage and interpret lab data for their clients.

With a Healthmatters account, you can:

  • Upload lab reports from any lab
  • View your data in interactive graphs, tables, and timelines
  • Track trends and monitor changes over time
  • Customize your reference ranges
  • Export and share your full lab history
  • Access your results anytime, from any device

Professionals can also analyze client data more efficiently and save time managing lab reports.

Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:

  • The GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile,
  • GI-MAP,
  • The NutrEval FMV®,
  • The ION Profile,
  • Amino Acids Profile,
  • Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH),
  • Organic Acids Test,
  • Organix Comprehensive Profile,
  • Toxic Metals,
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC),
  • Metabolic panel,
  • Thyroid panel,
  • Lipid Panel,
  • Urinalysis,
  • And many, many more.

You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.

If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.

shield icon

We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.

At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.

gdpr compliance image hipaa compliance image