What is it?
The DUTCH test is often used by healthcare practitioners, including functional medicine practitioners, naturopaths, and integrative medicine doctors, to help diagnose and treat hormonal imbalances. It offers the most extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones along with their metabolites. Additionally, the daily (diurnal) pattern of free cortisol is included along with melatonin and the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) to bring another important piece of the stress axis into focus.
The DUTCH test needs to be done during the luteal phase, or the second half of the cycle. This is because the hormone progesterone is only made during this time. The test requires four dried urine samples and five saliva samples collected at different times during the day.
Certain medications, supplements, and foods should be avoided or limited prior to taking the test.
Why is it important?
It can provide a detailed picture of a patient's hormone levels and help guide treatment decisions, such as recommending hormone replacement therapy or dietary changes to support hormone balance. With all this information, a personalised treatment plan can be formed, focusing on the root cause of the patient's symptoms.
Who is it for?
- It is offered for individuals who are suffering from:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Low libido
- Menstrual irregularities
- Mood swings
- Premenstrual symptoms (PMS)
- Weight gain