Benefits of the DUTCH Hormone Test

The DUTCH hormone test, one of the most appreciated tools for a detailed understanding of patients’ adrenal and sex hormone imbalances, is as useful for men as it is for the majority of patients who are women.

The DUTCH acronym stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. This specialized test, developed by Precision Analytical, measures hormone metabolites derived from dried urine samples, which includes:

Additionally, this test measures cortisol and cortisone rhythms and levels, along with estrogen metabolism pathways.

What Can Be Learned From This Test?

The DUTCH hormone test is a treasure trove of valuable insights!

This test provides a comprehensive overview of adrenal health. Specifically, it evaluates the adrenal-brain communication known as the HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) and how it responds to both physical and psychological stress throughout the day.

For those experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as heavy menstruation, breast discomfort, fibroids, cysts, fertility complications, hot flashes, night sweats, unexpected weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, or decreased sexual desire, the DUTCH hormone test provides a deep insight into hormone levels.

Low DHEA levels might cause symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, depression, loss of libido, and weakened immunity. This essential “feel-good” hormone is primarily produced by the adrenal glands.

For individuals on exogenous bio-identical hormones, this test reveals how their bodies are metabolizing these hormones. For instance, those on estrogen can ensure their liver is metabolizing it down the healthy 2-OH pathway. If not, the test helps determine the lifestyle, dietary, and supplemental support needed.

For those with symptoms of estrogen excess—such as PMS, breast tenderness, heavy menstruation, fibroids, and cysts—or those with a personal or family history of estrogen-positive cancers, the DUTCH test provides an avenue to develop the best treatment strategies. The DUTCH test offers not just the estradiol level, but levels of all three forms of estrogen (estrone, estradiol, and estriol), along with their metabolites and breakdown percentages.

Moreover, the DUTCH test offers useful data on factors contributing to insomnia by recording cortisol levels before bed, during the night if awake, and first thing in the morning, along with melatonin testing.

The test also flags functional markers indicating deficiencies in vitamin B12 and B6, glutathione (the body’s primary antioxidant), dopamine, 8-OHdG (a biomarker of stress and carcinogenesis), and “first responder” stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Biomarkers

How Is the Test Taken?

Taking the test is remarkably simple! It comes in an envelope with little strips to either dip into urine or directly urinate on at specified times throughout the day, in the privacy of one’s home. After drying the strips, they are mailed back for analysis.

What to Do Once the DUTCH Test Results Are In?

Upon receiving the DUTCH test results, medical practitioners can detect any hormone imbalances and develop a patient-specific treatment protocol. Depending on the results and protocol, the benefits of retesting are typically discussed with patients three to six months later, and possibly on an annual basis thereafter.

For more information on the DUTCH hormone test, including its pricing, visit dutchtest.com.