What is DUTCH Hormone Testing?
DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. Unlike standard blood testing, this test not only looks at levels of hormones, but also the way your body processes and metabolizes hormones and their fluctuations throughout the day.
5 Reasons Why You Should Do DUTCH Testing:
1. Easy to Do
- DUTCH testing is easy to do at home – 4 simple urine collections is all that is needed.
2. Comprehensive Hormonal Testing
- DUTCH testing tests 35 different hormones including:
1. Cortisol
2. Cortisone
3. Estradiol
4. Estrone
5. Estriol
6. Progesterone
7. Testosterone
8. DHEA
9. Melatonin
3. Hormonal Fluctuation Optimization
- DUTCH gives you insight into your hormonal fluctuations throughout the day. This test helps determine if your hormones are peaking at their optimal times (see why this is important - especially in sleep – in the melatonin section below).
4. Cortisol Curve
- Unlike blood tests which give you a snapshot of your cortisol at the time take, testing cortisol throughout the day gives insight into why you may be experiencing stress, fatigue, decreased libido, insomnia or other trouble sleeping. If you find it hard to wake up in the morning, are fatigued in the afternoon or experience a burst of energy at night, your cortisol curve may be shifted.
5. Cancer Prevention
- DUTCH testing shows how you process hormones, which is especially important with regards to estrogen and estrogen-related cancers such as breast, cervical and uterine cancers which have been linked to ‘bad’ estrogen metabolism.
Also in Hormonal Health & Fertility
Gut Health and Endometriosis
The estrobolome is a collection of bacteria in the gut that is focused on metabolizing estrogen. The estrobolome makes beta - glucoronidase, an enzyme which deconjugates estrogen into active forms. Dysbiosis decreases this enzyme activity so you need a healthy gut microbiome to have a healthy estrobolome.
Insulin Resistance and Inflammation
How well we balance our blood sugar levels plays a large role in our level of inflammation.
PMS - Common But Not Normal
Most women accept the notion that PMS, premenstrual syndrome, is a normal part of a monthly cycle. But what if I told you PMS is common but not normal and that those frustrating symptoms you have every month the week before your period can be alleviated naturally!