DUTCH test

I like this test for a few reasons:

1 – for one I like to pairing this test with the GI comprehensive stool analysis & the hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA).  This can further my understanding of what is going on with your hormones and pinpointing their meanings. It gives an in depth picture as to why they are out of balance and we could do to support and restore them. 

2 There is an intricate relationship between cortisol, progesterone and oestrogen. When hormones go out of balances these three markers tell us a lot and this test really specifies these markers which is more helpful and reliable than others.

Do you always recommend a DUTCH test? 

With this said it is case by case and I tend to always include the HTMA for clients. Some may need specific blood work for thyroid, some comprehensive stool tests and some the DUTCH test here as the hormonal imbalance is seriously affecting their cycle or fertility.

Should I get a DUTCH test over a 24 hour urine test? 

The issue with the 24-hour urine test for hormones is its difficult to collect samples and many end up in error which costs more time and money. 

Moreover, some tests use saliva for the cortisol which is another test and also it takes longer than 24 hours to get enough data on the cortisol pattern. Therefore the DUTCH is superior to these two tests. 

While the most universally accepted testing method (due to the availability of FDA-cleared analyzers that are reliable and inexpensive), serum testing is lacking in some areas. Adrenal hormones cannot be effectively tested in serum because free cortisol cannot be tested throughout the day. There is also a lack of extensive metabolite testing (especially for cortisol and estrogens).