Catecholamines are hormones produced by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys.Dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine are the main catecholamines.Each of these hormones gets broken down into other substances that are eliminated in your urine.Catecholamines are released into the bloodstream when you’re physically or emotionally stressed.High Catecholamine LevelsHigh levels of catecholamines may indicate a wide variety of health conditions, notes MedlinePlus, including:Acute anxietySevere stressCertain tumors, both cancerous and noncancerousCertain enzyme deficienciesDisorders of dopamine metabolismNormal Catecholamine LevelsThe main catecholamines are broken down in the following ways before being eliminated in your urine:Dopamine becomes homovanillic acidEpinephrine becomes metanephrine and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)Norepinephrine becomes normetanephrine and VMAA urine test is often given to measure the amounts of the above substances released from the body over a 24-hour period.Per the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), below is an example of the ranges usually considered normal for a 24-hour period, although actual ranges may be slightly different depending on the laboratory that performs the test. Measurements are based on microgram (mcg) levels per 24 hours:Dopamine: 65 to 400 mcgEpinephrine: 0 to 20 mcgMetanephrine: 74 to 297 mcgNorepinephrine: less than 100 mcgNormetanephrine: 105 to 354 mcgTotal catecholamines: less than 100 mcgYour doctor will explain what your test results mean.Testing Catecholamine LevelsIf your catecholamine levels need to be tested, then your doctor will most likely recommend a urine test. A blood test can also be done.Eating or drinking certain foods or beverages can increase catecholamine levels. According the URMC, these items include:Tea, coffee, and other caffeinated drinksBananasCitrus fruitsChocolate or cocoaVanillaWalnutsAvocadosFava beansCheeseBeer and red wineLicoriceTaking certain medications can also affect your catecholamine levels, so if your levels are tested, tell your doctor about all drugs you’re taking.The following drugs can affect your catecholamine measurements, per MedlinePlus:Stress and intense exercise may also affect your test results.