Catecholamines
Stress hormones of the adrenal glands: dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline)
Also known as
Definition
Catecholamines are a group of hormones made in the adrenal glands. The main ones are dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline). During physical or emotional stress more of them are released: heart rate and blood pressure rise, blood flow to the muscles and brain increases and alertness goes up. Outside stressful situations levels are usually low and fall again once the stress is over. They are measured in urine or blood.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | Unit as stated in the lab report |
| Reference Range | We do not give a typical range for catecholamines: they can be measured in blood or in a 24-hour urine collection, and individually as dopamine, norepinephrine or epinephrine, and labs differ. The reference range on your own report is what counts; your doctor interprets the result. |
Agree on your personal target range with your doctor.
↓ What a low value means
Outside stressful situations catecholamine levels are usually low. Catecholamine tests are mainly used to detect high levels; MedlinePlus says nothing about the meaning of low values. If your report shows a value below the reference range, discuss it with your doctor.
↑ What a high value means
High levels can be related to stress, vigorous exercise, caffeine, smoking or alcohol; certain medicines can also affect the values. Levels that stay high can be a sign of rare tumors, such as a pheochromocytoma of the adrenal gland, a paraganglioma or, in children, a neuroblastoma. A high value alone is not a diagnosis. To interpret it, your doctor considers symptoms, medical history and further tests.
When to test
Doctors order the test mainly when a catecholamine-producing tumor is suspected, for example with high blood pressure that does not improve with treatment, severe headaches, sweating or a rapid heartbeat, and to monitor treatment. A 24-hour urine collection is used more often, because blood levels change quickly and can be affected by the stress of the blood draw itself. Your practice or lab will tell you which preparation applies.
Frequently asked questions
Can stress alone raise catecholamines? +
Yes. Physical or emotional stress and vigorous exertion make levels rise; after the stress they usually fall again. Caffeine, smoking and alcohol can also affect the values. This is why you may be asked to avoid stress and vigorous exercise before the test.
Why is urine often tested instead of blood? +
Catecholamines in blood change quickly and can be affected by the stress of the blood draw. In a 24-hour urine collection, all urine from one day is collected and kept cool. A blood test can still be useful, for example when a pheochromocytoma is suspected.
What are metanephrines? +
Metanephrines are breakdown products of catecholamines: metanephrine, normetanephrine and methoxytyramine. According to the US institute NICHD, measuring metanephrines in blood is often recommended as the first test when a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma is suspected.
Do I need to prepare for the test? +
Often yes. For two to three days beforehand you may be asked to avoid coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, alcohol, tobacco, bananas, citrus fruits and vanilla; fasting may be required before a blood draw. Mention all medicines you take, but do not stop any without talking to your doctor.
Catecholamines
Sources
Last updated: October 05, 2026
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.