24 Hour urine sample to check my hormones, wish I'd asked what it is checking

[myfavoritedayismonday]

Hi, I saw a cardiologist today about my dizzy spells and lightheadedness and fluctuating heart rate. He suggested I have a 24 hour urine sample done to check my hormones. I wish I'd asked what exactly it will check. Anyone got any thoughts?

[Marrow]

I've had a 48 hour urine test before also ordered by a cardiologist. It was a few years ago and I can't remember exactly what they were testing for I'm afraid. I know that as well as using it to check kidney function they were testing creatinine levels and cortisol levels.

Will come back to thread if I get a brainwave and remember exactly what the tests were. I do remember feeling rather embarrassed plonking two big containers of wee down on the path lab reception desk though!

[Willdoitinaminute]

I think it is to check creatinine levels generally done when you are being investigated for cardiac symptoms. It is a test done to look at kidney function which can cause an increased blood pressure. Please don't worry though because a whole range of tests are used by cardiologists diagnostically. They use the easiest & least invasive first to exclude the most common causes.
It's not the easiest test though because you have to cart around a large container & large jug everywhere in case you get caught short.

[myfavoritedayismonday]

Hi thanks, I don't think he is using it to check creatin levels, though I may be wrong, he said to check my hormones.

[freelancescientist]

Cortisol is a hormone.

[Jollyb]

Could be urinary 5-HIAA or VMA? Used to diagnose some very rare conditions that can cause palpitations and flushing.

[Jollyb]

BTW - very unlikely that you have either of these before you google.

[HazeltheMcWitch]

They're probably checking your catecholamines - epinephrine, norepinephrine, metanephrine, and dopamine. The 1st 2 are also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline. They're hormones, and do things like regulate blood pressure and volume.

Nb think that's right, am not a medic but I have done many 24hr urine collections!

[HazeltheMcWitch]

They're probably checking your catecholamines - epinephrine, norepinephrine, metanephrine, and dopamine. The 1st 2 are also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline. They're hormones, and do things like regulate blood pressure and volume.

Nb think that's right, am not a medic but I have done many 24hr urine collections!

[HazeltheMcWitch]

oops, sorry, double posted there when MN went down for a sec...

[Marrow]

Catecholamines! Yes, that is what they were testing. Thank you Hazel, it's been irritating me that I couldn't remember!

[HazeltheMcWitch]

Hah, good stuff. I am glad I got it right, as I have lots of experience in this area. Doing, not analysing! Hope it all goes well, and you get some info and treatment for whatever's making you feel unwell.