The most universally accepted hormone testing method is serum testing, but it 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).
That is why our providers chose the Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH), which was designed to be optimally effective for most forms of hormone replacement therapy. Your DUTCH lab results will give insight to the best way of monitoring oral progesterone and vaginal hormones.
WHO GETS THE DUTCH TEST?
If you have any of the following, DUTCH testing may be an option for you.
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Poor sexual function
- Hot flashes
- Trouble sleeping
- Hormone imbalance
- Currently on hormone replacement therapy
DUTCH TEST SAMPLE COLLECTION
You collect just four or five dried urine samples over a 24-hour period. Dried samples are stable for several weeks.
Avoid avocado, bananas, and fava beans 48 hours before collection.
Do not take oral DHEA 48 hours before, or any oral estrogen or pregnenolone 72 hours before collection.