Dutch Test For Hormones - Is It Worth It?

I get a lot of questions from people who want to know what the DUTCH hormone test is. So I thought a blog on it would be helpful. I use the DUTCH test for hormones in my practice to help identify the root cause of hormone imbalances.

Many of the women that I work with come to me feeling overwhelmed with trying to take care of family and work all while not feeling their best. They are dealing with many of the common symptoms of a hormone imbalance such as heavy/painful periods, PMS, headaches, mood swings, low libido, bloating, fatigue, anxiety & depression, and hormonal weight gain. Basically, they are feeling the exact opposite of how they want to and in order to ensure we have the best possible treatment plan in place, I often use the DUTCH hormone test.

What is A DUTCH Test?

The DUTCH (dried urine test for comprehensive hormones) hormone test is a simple, convenient option for people looking to get a snapshot of how their hormones are functioning in the body. The testing process requires a series of urine samples taken at specific intervals during the day. The samples are collected on filter paper and sent to a lab where they're tested for cortisol, melatonin, androgens, estrogens, and other stress hormones.

In addition to providing a look at hormone levels in the body, the DUTCH hormone test can also provide insight into information such as sex hormone metabolism, adrenal function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and your body's production of neurotransmitters.

What Hormones Does It Test & What Can A DUTCH Test Tell You?

Estrogens - The three main estrogens in the body, are estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Testing estrogen will help identify if you are estrogen dominant (when the ratio of your sex hormones is off). PMS, painful cycles, irregular cycles, tender breasts, endometriosis, mood swings, etc. can all be related to estrogen dominance.

Estrogen Metabolites - These markers help us understand how estrogen is being cleared from the body. There are several different pathways and If you are breaking estrogen down the more harmful path, this can lead to estrogen dominance or even increased cancer risk. It also shows us how your liver is detoxifying and clearing hormones from the body.

Progesterone - Progesterone is important for fertility and is our feel-good hormone. It helps us feel cool, calm and well-balanced. It counterbalances estrogen so measuring this hormone is helpful in determining possible hormone imbalances.

DHEA-S -Is produced in the adrenal glands and is the precursor to testosterone and estrogen. When it's low you may experience fatigue, joint pain and low libido and it may signal potential issues with your adrenals.

Testosterone - Testosterone is important for energy, muscle maintenance, bone health and a healthy sex drive. Elevated testosterone can lead to cystic acne and facial hair growth.

Melatonin - Determining your melatonin levels can be helpful If you are having issues falling/staying asleep or waking up early.

Free Cortisol -Cortisol is a hormone that affects sleep, energy, metabolism, mood and so much more. It impacts the balance of all your hormones. Free Cortisol is the active form of cortisol in your body. Understanding the cortisol pattern gives us a lot of information as to how your body is responding to stress and informs us what supplements, lifestyle and dietary supports will be most helpful.

Vitamin B6 & B12 - B Vitamins are important for hormones, energy and mood.

Pyroglutamate - This will help determine if you have a glutathione deficiency. Glutathione is an antioxidant and helps to reduce oxidative stress in the body. Poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and stress can all have an impact on your glutathione levels.

How Is The DUTCH Test Different From Other Hormone Tests?

The Dutch test gives you a comprehensive look at your sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites. This gives us a full picture of what’s going on and enough insights to create a tailored wellness plan.

Who Should Get The DUTCH Test?

• If you are dealing with PMS, problematic and painful periods or irregular cycles

• If you are struggling with hormonal acne or headaches

• If you’ve been dealing with low energy, mood swings, anxiety, irritability and just a general feeling of being off and not feeling like yourself - this test will help pinpoint what is going on so we can make targeted changes to your diet and lifestyle.

• If you feel wired but tired or burnt out and are having issues with your sleep.

• If you are trying to conceive

• If you are in perimenopause and looking for support in minimizing your symptoms.

• If you are struggling with weight loss & weight gain or have stubborn weight that isn't shifting no matter what you try.

• Have PCOS or other symptoms that you need to get support with.

The DUTCH complete test for hormones will help pinpoint what is going on in your body so that a personalized wellness plan can be created to address any hormone imbalances that may be impacting the way you feel. In each wellness plan supplements, dietary changes and lifestyle recommendations help to address the root cause of the hormone imbalance.

If you want to know if you may have a hormone imbalance and figure out what all your symptoms are telling you about your hormones - take the free hormone imbalance quiz and I’ll let you know which hormone imbalance might be holding you back and what you can do to feel like yourself again.

TAKE THE FREE HORMONE IMBALANCE QUIZ

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