How to Increase Norepinephrine + Deficiency Symptoms

Your body has powerful systems in place to make sure norepinephrine levels remain in a healthy range – but sometimes things go wrong. Read on to learn what you can do to restore the balance and boost your levels if they drop too low. You may have just landed here from one of our previous articles on the function and effects of norepinephrine. If so, then you know that norepinephrine is a catecholamine neurotransmitter involved in the fight or flight response. If not, you may want to brush up on the basics of norepinephrine before you read on. The leading cause of norepinephrine deficiency is a genetic disorder called dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH) deficiency. At least six variations in the DBH gene can cause this disorder, with the most common being the C allele at rs74853476 [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Dysfunctional DBH causes norepinephrine deficiency because this enzyme converts dopamine into norepinephrine . A person must have two abnormal versions of DBH to be genetically deficient in norepinephrine [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. People with DBH deficiency may be prescribed droxidopa to manage their blood pressure. Droxidopa is converted to norepinephrine not by DBH, but by another enzyme called L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase [ 4 ]. Symptoms of DBH Deficiency People with DBH deficiency have difficulty regulating their body temperature and blood pressure. The condition is often discovered in late childhood as symptoms develop: vomiting , dehydration , low blood pressure , and low blood sugar are common [ 5 ]. Low blood pressure has its own complications, among them dizziness , blurred vision , and difficulty exercising . Some people with DBH deficiency may have more severe symptoms, including [ 5 ]: High palate Low blood sugar at birth Frequently waking at night […]

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