Who Should Take the DUTCH Complete Hormone Test?

The DUTCH Complete Hormone Test is an innovative approach to hormone evaluation. Here we discuss why it’s a great idea for all women who have menstrual cycles or who are on HRT to consider this test. You can order it from the lab shop, and your results come with a written interpretation from the Precision Analytical (DUTCH) lab. If you want more personalized help with your test results, Dr. Laura offers a 30-minute consult on Zoom to review your results and put them into action.

What does the DUTCH Complete Hormone test measure?

The test measures these hormone metabolites from dried urine samples:

  • Cortisol

  • Cortisone

  • Estradiol

  • Estrone

  • Estriol

  • Progesterone

  • Testosterone

  • DHEA and DHEA-S

  • Melatonin

In addition, the test measures organic acid markers that shed light on B vitamin status, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, glutathione levels, and neurotransmitters, all of which play a part in optimal hormone function.

Why measure all these hormones?

There are lots of reasons!

  • If you have adrenal issues (manifesting as sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, or energy problems), testing your adrenal hormones and their rhythms gives definitive information on how to handle these problems. We are specifically looking at your adrenal-brain communication, known as your HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal).

  • With fertility problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, PMS, irregular periods, painful periods, moodiness, and endometriosis, this test is highly beneficial. It gives a complete picture of how adrenal and reproductive hormone imbalances contribute to these problems. We never know what the PCOS hormone picture is without testing.

  • If you use hormone replacement therapy, it’s important to monitor your levels. This test works uniquely well for oral progesterone, vaginal hormones, patches, pellets, and injections. Note that this is only for hormone replacement therapy, not hormonal birth control pills!

  • With sleep problems, it’s important to check melatonin and cortisol. If melatonin is low, or cortisol is high, either of these situations can cause sleep problems.

  • You may have low DHEA levels. This is a “feel-good” hormone produced by your adrenal glands. When it’s low, it can cause fatigue, a decrease in muscle mass or bone density, depression, aching joints, loss of libido, and lowered immunity.

  • You may have “estrogen dominance.” This is when the scales are tipped so that progesterone is low and estrogen is high. Estrogen dominance can be a factor in endometriosis, PMS, painful periods, fibrous breasts, fibroids, tender breasts, moodiness, and more. It can also make perimenopause symptoms significantly worse.

  • This test shows how you metabolize estrogen through your liver. If you don’t metabolize estrogen well, your risks of estrogen-related cancers such as breast, cervical and uterine cancer can increase. THIS IS WHY THIS TEST IS A MUST FOR ALL WOMEN WITH MENSTRUAL CYCLES OR ON HORMONE REPLACEMENT.

What does this test involve?

It’s easy! The kit contains paper strips that you dip in your urine at specific times over 24 hours. When the strips are dry, you mail them off in the enclosed envelope. In about two weeks you’ll receive a 16-page report. (See a sample report here.) You can use these results to get an accurate picture of your hormones and intervene if needed in a precise and personalized way. No more guessing!

What does it cost and does insurance cover it?

The price for this test is $399.00. Insurance does NOT cover this test at this time because it is “investigative.” Insurance may cover hormone blood tests, and these are useful as well. However, blood tests do not measure hormone metabolites, free cortisol, melatonin, organic acids, and other markers on the DUTCH test. Urine metabolites give unique information that a blood test does not provide about how you metabolize hormones. In our clinic, both is used often.

Order The DUTCH Test Book a discovery call with Sara: sara@sarahurrle.com