Dopamine Blood Test

Dopamine is one of the hormones that is included in the catecholamines group.  It will act as a neurotransmitter in the brain and plays an important role in reward-motivated behavior, motor control, and in regulating the release of various hormones.  The adrenal gland will produce an excessive amount of catecholamines in response to stress.  After the fulfillment of their action, dopamine will become homovanillic acid or HVA.  Generally, they will increase during and after stressful circumstances.  On the rare occasion, tumors called pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas can produce large amounts of these hormones.

Symptoms can include:

• hypertension that can lead to severe headaches
• heart palpitations
• sweating
• nausea
• anxiety
• tingling in the hands and feet