Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Reference Guide
  /  
VMA
Sign up free to test for 
VMA
.
One login for 30+ lab companies.

Vanillylmandelic Acid

What's 
VMA
?
Vanillylmandelic Acid, often abbreviated as VMA, is a substance that your body produces when it breaks down adrenaline, the hormone that gives you a burst of energy in stressful situations. This process happens in your adrenal glands, small organs located on top of your kidneys. VMA is then excreted from your body through your urine. By measuring the amount of VMA in your urine, doctors can get a sense of how much adrenaline your body is producing. This can be helpful in understanding more about certain conditions related to the adrenal glands. It's a simple yet powerful way to peek into the workings of your body's "fight or flight" response system.
If Your Levels Are High
High levels of Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) in your urine could indicate that your body is producing more adrenaline than usual. This might be due to a variety of reasons. For instance, you could be experiencing a lot of stress, which triggers your body's "fight or flight" response and leads to increased adrenaline production. Alternatively, high VMA levels could be a sign of certain medical conditions related to the adrenal glands, such as a pheochromocytoma, which is a rare tumor that can cause the adrenal glands to produce too much adrenaline. Certain medications, like tricyclic antidepressants or levodopa, can also increase VMA levels. So, if you have high VMA levels, it could be due to stress, certain adrenal conditions, or the medications you're taking.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of Vanillylmandelic Acid could include rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, excessive sweating, headaches, tremors, or anxiety. These symptoms are often associated with an overactive adrenal gland or excessive adrenaline production.
If Your Levels are Low
Low levels of Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) in your urine could mean that your body isn't producing as much adrenaline as it normally should. Adrenaline is a hormone that your body makes when you're stressed or scared, giving you a burst of energy. It's made in your adrenal glands, which are small organs on top of your kidneys. When your body makes adrenaline, it also makes VMA, which leaves your body when you pee. So, if you have less VMA in your pee, it could mean that your adrenal glands aren't making enough adrenaline. This could be due to certain conditions like Addison's disease, or it could be because of certain medications that affect your adrenal glands, like steroids or some types of blood pressure drugs.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of Vanillylmandelic Acid could include fatigue, low blood pressure, weight loss, and skin changes.

Hey Practitioners! On December 11th, join Dr. Terry Wahls in a free live class where she'll share her groundbreaking methods for managing MS and autoimmune patients. This live session will address your most pressing questions and will take a closer look at treatment options beyond the conventional standards of care. Register here.

Register Here

Test for

Vanillylmandelic Acid

Order, track, and receive results from 30+ labs in one place.