DUTCH Hormone Test

Hormonal imbalances can affect energy, metabolism, sleep, and overall well-being. The DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for a Comprehensive Hormone analysis) provides an advanced, in-depth look at hormone levels and their metabolites. At Forum Health Clinics, we offer the DUTCH Test to help you gain insights into your hormonal health and improve your hormone imbalances.

What is the DUTCH Test?

When it comes to hormone health, it’s wise to get a thorough look at what exactly is going on. The DUTCH test is an advanced, comprehensive at-home hormone test that analyzes sex and cortisol hormones and their metabolites to get a wide overview of any hormonal imbalances happening in your body. The DUTCH test is a simple, at-home urine analysis that’s more comprehensive than in-office blood or saliva tests. It also looks at metabolites – the byproduct of hormones broken down by your body to focus on a more thorough view of how your hormones are utilized. And, it can track inflammation and uncover endocrine system disruptors.

Step-by-step guide for testing:

Read the instructions from your provider thoroughly and follow any advice or steps guided by your doctor.
Gather your supplies: the kit should contain collection cups or containers, filter paper strips, a drying rack, zip-lock bags or envelopes, and a large return envelope for each dried sample.
Make sure to read the directions thoroughly as there are some foods and supplements to avoid 2-3 days prior to collection.
Confirm with your provider when to collect in relation to your menstrual cycle or your hormone replacement, and specify when or if to take your prescription hormones.
Pay attention to timing: The test may ask you to gather urine samples in the morning, afternoon, evening, and night, so be diligent about following the instructions.
Aim for a mid-stream collection (not at the beginning or end of your urine stream).
To dry: Open the filter paper strip where it has a designated area for urine. Pour the collected urine onto the filter paper without it overflowing. Allow it to air dry completely, usually taking 12-24 hours.
Place the paper on the drying rack away from sunlight, heat, or moisture, ensuring good airflow.
Clearly label each paper strip with the time and date as instructed.
Ensure dryness: make sure each paper is dry (feeling stiff, not damp) before submission.
Submission: Once completely dry, carefully place each dried filter paper into the designated small bag or envelope and seal the bag tightly.
Complete the requisition form that has information about you, your healthcare provider, and the tests ordered, as well as other necessary medical information noted on the form.
Place the samples in the return packaging and ship to the return label.

What are the benefits of the DUTCH Test?

While most blood and saliva hormone tests are great indicators for hormonal health, a single blood draw can only give you a snapshot of what your hormones are doing at that moment in time.

DUTCH tests gather urine samples throughout the day, providing a more detailed insight into what’s going on over time with your hormones for better accuracy. DUTCH tests also gather important information about your sex hormones: estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, and adrenal hormones including cortisol. And, the multiple urine captures from DUTCH testing allow for an assessment of your body’s 24-hour cortisol pattern – vital for adrenal function and how your body responds to stress throughout the day. The DUTCH test also follows the hormone metabolism, not just its parent hormone, meaning you can see how your body metabolizes the hormone over time to assess potential health risks.

Who Should Consider the DUTCH Test?

If you’re concerned that you may be experiencing hormone health issues and have symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, unexplained weight gain, or insomnia, a DUTCH test is one of the most thorough and effective hormone tests out there. The DUTCH test is a great functional medicine hormone optimization tool that gets closer to the root cause of your issues. Women experiencing perimenopause, menopause,thyroid conditions, or PCOS and men with low testosterone or adrenal fatigue concerns are the best candidates.

How should I Interpret DUTCH Test Results?

Your doctor will help you analyze your DUTCH Test results by providing “normal” and “optimal” ranges so you get an understanding of where your results lie. Ideally, you want your levels to be in an “optimal” range. Abnormal results may indicate a hormone dysfunction such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, testosterone imbalance, menopause, perimenopause, or even underlying autoimmune disorders. A DUTCH test will help you understand your deficiencies and your doctor will recommend a holistic treatment plan to balance your hormones.

FAQs

What does a DUTCH test tell you?

A DUTCH test is a more comprehensive dry urine test that measures how your hormones are functioning within a 24-hour period vs. blood tests that only give a snapshot of what’s going on in your hormonal health. DUTCH testing looks at sex hormones and their metabolites (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) as well as adrenal hormones and their metabolites (cortisol and cortisone). They also provide a detailed look at how hormones are metabolized, which is an advantage over other hormone testing so you can get a better picture of what’s going on in your hormone health.

Will insurance pay for a DUTCH test?

DUTCH tests are considered out of network, so insurance will not pay for it. However, if you have out-of-network coverage, you will be able to submit a receipt to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Talk with your insurance provider to get more information.

Is a DUTCH hormone test worth it?

If you’re seeking a deeper look at your hormonal health than standard testing can provide, then a DUTCH test will be a great option to look at. It takes traditional hormone testing steps farther by including a snapshot of how your hormones function within a 24-hour period vs. just a moment of time with a blood draw. They also test for hormone metabolites to see how the parent hormone metabolizes in your body, indicating health imbalances. Talk to your doctor today to see if DUTCH testing is right for you.

Why don't conventional doctors use the DUTCH test?

For some, the DUTCH test is considered an alternative or functional medicine treatment, which may not be recognized by many conventional doctors. However, according to the DUTCH test website, “MDs are the most common type of practitioner that uses the DUTCH Test. We are proud to work with over 4,000 different MDs and thousands of NDs and various other healthcare providers.”