Do You Have Too Many Stress Hormones? Everything About the Catecholamines Test

When we are anxious, scared, or under a lot of stress, our bodies go through a lot of changes, right? Imagine, what would happen if a dog suddenly jumped in front of you? Your heart rate increases, you sweat, and you feel a surge of energy. The main players that help our bodies respond in this way at times like these are hormones called "catecholamines." So today we are going to talk about a special test that measures the levels of these hormones.

Simply put, what are these catecholamines?

Catecholamines are a group of hormones secreted by our adrenal glands. These are two small, cap-like glands located above our kidneys. When you experience a lot of stress, whether physical or mental, these glands release catecholamine hormones into the bloodstream.

There are three main members of this group of hormones:

• Epinephrine: This is the adrenaline we all know.
• Norepinephrine
• Dopamine

These hormones enter the bloodstream and prepare our bodies for "fight or flight." That is, preparing the body to face an emergency. What happens at this time?

• Adrenaline is released and gives the body an instant boost of energy.
• Your heart rate and blood pressure increase.
• Increases your mental focus and alertness .
• More blood is sent to the brain and muscles , because they need energy for emergency action.

After these hormones have finished their work, the body excretes the remaining waste products in the urine. A catecholamine test measures the levels of these hormones in your blood or urine.

Well, then why do you need to do this test?

Normally, these hormone levels only increase when we are stressed. However, if these catecholamine levels are abnormally high for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of a rare type of tumor that develops in our adrenal glands.

The main conditions that this test looks for are:

• Neuroblastoma: This is a cancer that develops in nerve tissue. It is most commonly seen in young children .
• Paraganglioma: This is also a tumor. But it is often noncancerous. It affects the nerve cells that control blood pressure.
• Pheochromocytoma: This is a tumor that develops in the adrenal gland. This causes the body to produce too much hormones, such as adrenaline.

What symptoms would prompt a doctor to decide to perform this test?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms related to the types of tumors we discussed earlier. Also, if someone in your family has had conditions like neuroblastoma, paraganglioma, or pheochromocytoma, that is, if you have a family history, then you may also be asked to do this test.

Symptoms may vary slightly depending on age.

Symptoms that may occur in adults

Symptoms that may occur in young children

How is this test done?

There are two main ways to perform this test.

1. Testing a 24-hour urine sample .

2. Testing a blood sample .

Of these two methods, a urine test provides the most reliable results . That's why doctors often recommend it. However, if there is a suspicion of a tumor called pheochromocytoma, a blood test may also be ordered. In some cases, both tests may be done.

24-hour Urine Test

The way to do this is very simple, but it has to be done correctly.

• The lab will give you a special bottle or container to collect your urine.
• You should urinate and empty your bladder just before the 24-hour period begins. There is no need to collect that urine.
• From that point on, you need to add every drop of urine you pass for the next 24 hours to the bottle provided.
• It is essential to keep the urine collection bottle cool by placing it in the fridge or in a cooler filled with ice .
• After 24 hours, you need to urinate into that same bottle one last time and submit it to the lab.

Blood Test

This is just like a regular blood test.

• At the lab, they use a needle to take some blood from your arm.
• Sometimes you may be asked to lie down in bed before or during the blood draw. This is because even a little stress during the blood draw can change these hormone levels, so try to minimize that effect.

How should we prepare before the test? This is very important!

Catecholamine hormone levels are very sensitive. They can be easily altered by physical exercise, strong emotions, certain foods, and medications. Therefore, minimizing these influences as much as possible before the test is essential for accurate results.

Exercise and mental calmness

Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days before the test. Also, try to stay as calm and relaxed as possible during these few days, without any stress or anxiety .

Foods and drinks that can affect the test

You are advised to avoid the following foods and drinks for a few days before the test.

Medications that may need to be stopped

Here are some medications that can affect the test:

• Acetaminophen - (e.g. Panadol)
• Amphetamine
• Medicines for colds and sinuses
• Antidepressants
• Diuretics - medicines that remove excess fluid from the body - e.g. furosemide
• Insulin
• Lithium
• Tetracycline
• Vasodilators - e.g. hydralazine

Other materials

These things should also be completely avoided in the days before the test:

• Alcohol
• Cocaine
• Tobacco

What does the test report say?

It's completely normal to have some level of catecholamines in your blood or urine. If the level is low, it's not a problem at all.

However, if catecholamine levels are very high , it could be a sign of the possibility of having an adrenal tumor, a rare type of tumor we discussed earlier.

After receiving these results, your doctor will likely ask you to repeat the test to make sure the results are correct. Or, they may refer you for further tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. For example, they may do a scan to check for a tumor or a biopsy to take a small piece of tissue from a suspicious area.

Catecholamines, Hormone test, Adrenal glands, Pheochromocytoma, Neuroblastoma, High blood pressure, stress hormones Sinhala, Adrenal gland test Sinhala