Should you try the Dutch Test?
Hormonal irregularities among both men and women are on the rise and many frantically look for answers to the myriad of symptoms they can experience from hormonal dysregulation. Regular blood work can help to assess the status of specific hormones, however, there is a better way to look at hormones in order to see specific markers, precursors, and hormones that could be involved in the delicate framework of hormonal homeostasis.
What is the Dutch Test?
The Dutch Test is an acronym that stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. It provides a comprehensive picture of hormone levels and their metabolites over a 24-hour period. This offers a more detailed and accurate assessment of hormonal status. This test is very easy to take. A kit is usually sent to your home and instructions are given on how to collect urine over a day.
How is the Dutch Test different from regular blood work?
As already stated, this test looks at hormonal levels throughout 24 hours and not only tests for hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone but also the different kinds of oestrogen, for example, along with its metabolites. There are different types of oestrogens and how their metabolites interact with one another can produce negative hormonal symptoms in women. Knowing about these specific levels can help a naturopath or functional medicine practitioner prescribe supplements or other specific therapies to help address a deficiency or to improve the metabolism of specific hormones causing negative symptoms.
Are there different Types of Dutch Tests?
Yes. Below the different types of Dutch tests are outlined and described:
Dutch Complete – This specific test assesses 35 different hormones and is separated into three different categories: sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and the organic acids test. Biomarkers such as cortisol and metabolites of vitamins B12 and B6 and oxidative stress are assessed as all are involved in how sex hormones work.
Dutch Plus – This test includes everything the Dutch Complete assesses, but also includes a Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). This specifically looks at if cortisol levels are at the correct levels within 30 minutes of waking. Patients experiencing chronic fatigue, chronic stress, mood swings, and high blood pressure should consider including the CAR in their Dutch testing.
Dutch Cycle Map – This involves taking a urine sample daily for 25 days in order to assess hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s cycle. This specific test is good for patients with perimenopause, PCOS, infertility, or for women who have undergone a partial hysterectomy and still have their ovaries and are cycling without a period.
Keep in mind that different companies can use different names for the above tests.
Who should do a Dutch Test?
Women with the following conditions or issues can:
- PCOS
- Infertility
- Hair Loss
- Mood swings
- Hormonal acne
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Weight gain or weight loss resistance
- Period irregularities or painful or heavy periods
- Anyone on bioidentical or synthetic hormonal replacement therapy or birth control
- Perimenopause or menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and irritability
Men with the following conditions or issues:
- Acne
- Fatigue
- Low libido
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Decline in memory
- Poor concentration
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of muscle mass
- Growth of breast tissue
