Power of the DUTCH Test
Introduction
Last week, we dove into the basics of hormones—those essential chemical messengers that instruct your body on which processes to carry out. While there are countless hormones at play in the body, for women, two often take center stage: estrogen and progesterone. However, we can't overlook three others that are equally vital for the female reproductive system—testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol. Even though hormones might not always be the root cause of an issue, understanding their levels and how they shift over time is crucial for overall health.
When it comes to testing hormone levels, and specifically the hormones named above, there are several functional lab tests available from blood to saliva tests. However, the test I turn to most often in practice is the DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones). This test involves collecting urine samples throughout the day, offering several advantages over traditional blood or saliva testing.
Why Choose Urine Over Blood or Saliva?
One of the key benefits of the DUTCH test is its ability to track hormones, particularly cortisol, throughout the day. Unlike blood tests, which can be inconvenient to collect multiple times in one day, the DUTCH test allows for a more comprehensive view of how your cortisol fluctuates. Another significant advantage is that it measures both available and metabolized cortisol—the total amount produced by your adrenal glands. This helps us get a clearer picture of your energy levels and overall adrenal function. Metabolites, which are measured through urine, essentially provide us a deeper insight into how your body uses hormones, not just their presence in your system.
Going Beyond Hormones
What makes the DUTCH test even more powerful is its ability to measure over 30 hormone and metabolite markers, including organic acids. According to Precision Analytical's Clinical Consulting team, this can reveal specific information about neurotransmitter activity, brain inflammation, oxidative stress, gut health, and melatonin levels. Armed with this data, I can make highly personalized recommendations for diet and supplementation to support your health goals.
How I Use the DUTCH Test in Practice
Whether you're dealing with issues like irregular periods, low energy, anxiety, PMS, acne, gut dysfunction, or are looking to conceive, the DUTCH test can be a valuable tool in uncovering more about your symptoms. In my practice at LIVE BIG, I've used this test to identify estrogen dominance, whether due to poor detoxification or imbalances between estrogen and progesterone. Another interesting component is when clients are having symptoms of hormone imbalance but their hormones are all in range. What this can mean is there is something else in the system mimicking hormones and throwing the system off. For example, mold and metals are two substances known to mimic estrogen and cause imbalances of their own. The DUTCH test can help me validate and uncover clues about the source of the client’s such as low energy, "tired but wired" feelings at night, unexplained irritability, or the host of other symptoms described above.
What’s especially powerful about the DUTCH test is how it allows us to track progress over time. By collecting a sample at the start of your health journey and comparing it with one taken later on, we can see how your body is responding to interventions. This gives us the insights needed to fine-tune your health plan and move you closer to achieving optimal wellness.
Conclusion
Hormonal health plays a crucial role in how we feel day to day, and the DUTCH test offers an invaluable window into that complex system. By providing detailed insights into hormone levels and metabolic markers, this test empowers both you and your practitioner to create a targeted, personalized plan for restoring balance. Whether you’re experiencing specific symptoms or simply want a better understanding of your body’s hormonal landscape, the DUTCH test offers a path to deeper healing and long-term wellness. At LIVE BIG, we use this data to support you on every step of your journey, ensuring that you’re not just managing symptoms, but truly thriving.
With support,
Isabella
