Who Should Take the DUTCH Complete Hormone Test?

56 Comments

1. You GP can provide a blood test for these steriod hormone levels. Depending on when you live, this may be covered by your healthcare provider ( e.g free in the UK, 50 euros in Belgium, and free in the Netherlands. US depending on your health insurance ).

   You don’t need the dutchtest web site. This site is an advertisment for the Dutchtest,

   Cortisol
   Cortisone
   Estradiol
   Estrone
   Estriol
   Progesterone
   Testosterone
   DHEA
   Melatonin

   Kind regards.

   1. I appreciate your input, and testing some of these hormones via serum (blood) is useful, particularly the sex hormones and DHEA. However, the Dutch test measures hormone metabolites, not actual hormones. The 5 samples are averaged over 24 hours. This is very different than serum, which measures actual hormones in the blood at the given moment of the draw, but not hormone metabolism. Hormone metabolism is extremely important, especially for estrogen. In addition, Dutch measures how cortisol is metabolizing into cortisone and vice versa. It also measures the 24 hour cortisol and cortisone curve, and averages all hormone metabolites over 24 hours (with 4-5 samples) – serum will not give any of this information. Melatonin is not measured well by serum. A random blood draw for cortisol or melatonin is not useful, as it does not take into account the diurnal production or rhythm. I have no affiliation with Precision Analytical, the lab that provides the Dutch test. Rather, I use it for clinical information not available via conventional serum tests.
      Best,
      Laura

      1. Hi Laura,

         I agree measuring some levels via saliva is useful, but using this for estrogen testosterone or progesterone is unhelpful when trying to monitor levels caused by exogenous sources ( e.g via transdermal patches ). The levels will be distorts to some degree, and thus patients should discontinue exogenous sources a day before taking samples: But, for example, E2 will have been flushed from the system with 20 hours and dropped significantly withing 12 hours. Progesterone also has a short half life.
         ” Blood tests will not track hormone replacement as thoroughly. ” How does the Dutch saliva test get around this?

         in your example above of LISA: aged 51 ” She used bio-identical hormones,” her results could be distoted.
         Susan, age 44: “Susan had a hysterectomy” . Then should already be on HRT. Her E2/E1 levels would be stable and low. A blood test would show this. No need for saliva snapshots because she is not menstrating.

         1. Soph,
            I am not sure you actually read this post, or familiarized yourself with this test, because the Dutch test is not saliva. Also, the test has very specific instructions as to when to stop taking exogenous hormones for a clear dried urine metabolite sample. Thirdly, in Susan’s case above, estrogen metabolism was/is critical to determine, as it is for all women. Respectfully, if you’d like to educate yourself about exactly what you are commenting on, you can contact Precision Analytical, and get thorough information exactly what this test entails, and all the caveats you bring up.
            Best,
            Laura

      2. How can I receive this test?

         1. I’ve also suffered with a lot of anxiety, terrible periods and worst of all terrible insomnia since stopped nursing 2nd child in January . I have been to cognitive behavioral therapist, I have been to several biofeedback appts, a hypnotist and now working on meditation but sleep is such an issue. I’ve been taking ashwaganda root and just started serotonin supplement and bedtime and progesterone cream and DIM but honestly just doing this off of my symptoms but not sure what my hormone levels are so want to figure this out and do what my body needs. Suggestions? Thank you

            1. I am sorry to hear of your suffering, and you’re doing great work!

               I think it’s best to be under the care of a trusted medical provider rather than guesswork and self-treatment. Do some labs and get a sound treatment plan, from a gynecologist or functional doctor, or someone who is both.

               Best to you!

         2. You can order just the test here: https://www.parishealingarts.com/product/dutch-complete-hormone-test/
            And to book a package to have a test-interpretation and treatment plan go here and book a “Do Your Dutch Complete Hormone Package” https://www.parishealingarts.com/product/dutch-complete-hormone-test/

2. My apologies. I misread this as a saliva test.

3. Will this help me and my Dr figure out how to better balance the bhrt I am on now since it’s been such an issue using only blood tests ? She wants me to use this test too now. Will it help see what’s going on so we can adjust better ??? I pray so

   1. Definitely! Especially because if adrenal hormones are dysregulated, then BHRT is less likely to work. And it’s also important to know about hormone metabolism.

4. Since the birth of my 2 kids I have not felt “right”. Extremely tired, full of anxiety, major mood swings, easily frustrated and now really heavy and painful periods. I know there is regular fatigue and stress that comes with becoming a mother, but I was never like this prior to the children. I’m seriously wondering if it could be a hormonal imbalance? I’m still nursing (morning and night) my youngest, and I know that affects hormones as well. I know producing oxytocin is supposed to make you feel warm and fuzzy happy feelings…but it seems to have done the opposite for me. I’ve never felt that and actually felt worse breastfeeding, but continued to do it for the benefit of the children. However I’m now realzing that it may have been the cause of some of my issues. Would it be better to wait until after the breastfeesing to test? I have no idea how long it takes for hormones to adjust back to “normal” after stopping.

   1. Cheryl,

      It’s fine (and sounds appropriate) for you to test hormones now instead of waiting until after breastfeeding ends.

5. I am 59 post menopausal for over a decade, had no menopausal symptoms until years after, have been working with my GYN who does not advocate bio identical hormone replacement so I have been self supplementing with adrenal supplements, progesterone and estriol cream for hair loss, facial hair and hypo-thyroid symptoms, blood serum tests consistently show below normal DHT and high Testosterone, would this test benefit me ?

   1. I always recommend testing rather than guessing, and using hormones judiciously under the care of a medical provider knowledgable about them.

6. Hi, Laura–

   Which medical practitioner/specialist is best qualified to interpret the DUTCH test results and create a personalized approach to balancing the hormones? My OB/GYN or an Endocrinologist?

   My OBGYN only uses the blood hormone tests; but from those results + my physical symptoms, she was able to identify my PCOS and Insulin Resistance. (My GP of 20yrs had no idea that my many textbook symptoms for those conditions were even indicators, so she never referred me to see a hormone specialist. I found an OBGYN on my own.)

   At present, me and my OB are utilizing Rx, supplements, herbs, acupuncture, & organic/gluten-free/sugar-free nutrition. I’m thankful she’s open to all forms of treatment. However, she’s never once mentioned the Dutch test, and I 100% want to take it since I’ve done research on it and am still having sleep issues (even on Melatonin) and can’t seem to break a weight plateau that’s lasted 2-mos since initially losing 25lbs. It’s like my body does not want to stay asleep for the entire night OR go below the 25lbs I’ve lost under my existing regimen. I don’t want to ask my doctors to assess metabolite results they’ve not been specifically trained to assess or medicate.

   My research indicates an Endocrinologist is the right medical specialist to see. What’s your opinion on this?

   Sienna
   [My stats: 44yo, 1yr post-op open-myomectomy, no new fibroids, hormone blood tests show improved/balanced/normal levels as of 2wks ago, want to ttc next yr, I suspect my cortisol and adrenals are still off.]

   1. I don’t think an Endocrinologist would interpret the Dutch test unless they are a Functional Medicine doctor. This is a Functional Medicine test. The company can tell you which of us Functional prax runs a lot of Dutch tests. I hope you know about the PCOS Solution program – getting awesome results!
      https://myhormoneanswers.com/

7. Hi

   I am on tamoxifen. Do I need to come off it to do this test?

   1. Deborah, either choice is valid. Check with your practitioner to see what she/he has in mind.

8. I finally decided to see a Naturopath after years of feeling unwell and suffering panic attacks. I am 59 and had a total hysterectomy at 49.
   My GP and the specialists were useless at helping me.
   My Naturopath found me very low on Vit B12 and D and one of my thyroid tests was abnormal.
   I just finished doing the DUTCH test and am looking forward to the results. The two vitamin supplements have already helped me and I suspect my adrenals are way off.
   I am also going to do the SIBO( May as well go all the way) as I have had gut issues for years that mysteriously( my gastro’s exact words) disappear whenever I took antibiotics for something else ?
   My extended health coverage will cover some things but even if nothing was covered it’s very worth it to have a thorough check of my systems done and maybe help me feel better.
   I feel the traditional medical system is uninterested and has let me down big time.
   I am thankful to have access to do this testing through alternative medical practitioners.
   It’s the way of the future and the system needs to get on board with it!

9. Very informative article . I’d love to know what your protocol was for the 55yr old Lucy.

10. I always prefer testing rather than using and getting addicted to painkillers medicines without getting into the root cause. The most impressive part of your article is the real example women who changed themselves after hormone testing.

11. I have peripheral neuropathy, and will try stem cell therapy. I have reseRched, and one doctor who was thorough said I shoul also have the Dutch test.
    I would like to order this test.

    1. You can order through our store if interested.

12. Hi Laura.

    I’m wondering if the DUTCH test is the next step in my search. I’m 39 years old and for years have been feeling “off”. I’ve seen an endocrinologist, gyn and gp and not one has been able to help. Blood serum tests have come back in the “normal” range. Recently I took the GI map test which indicated sibo and have been undergoing treatment for a month. While I feel better, I still don’t feel well. Weight gain and low libido are primary concerns. My question is if the blood serum tests are normal, can the DUTCH identify anything further that may help these two issues? Thank you.

    1. Hi,
       Certainly the Dutch test can provide info about libido and weight loss resistance. With the latter, there can be many many root causes. The GI Map is not diagnostic of SIBO, unfortunately.

13. I am 59 years old and post menopausal for almost 10 years. If I am on bio-identical hormones (Pellets Progesterone & NP Thyroid from a compounding pharmacy), when is the best time to take the Dutch test to get the most useful results? Before I re-pellet or after? Thx

    1. Hi! The instructions for this are super clear on the test guide.

14. Hi,

    Can you take the Dutch test if you are already on supplementation and herbs for adrenal issues and to improve immunity? Will it still give an accurate reading?

    1. Yes, you can!

15. Would a test like this help me understand why I suffer from low libido and vaginal numbness?

    1. It could shed light, but I highly recommend getting guidance from a doctor and possibly a pelvic physical therapist.

16. If you don’t know when or if you ovulate then when would you test using the Dutch complete? My cycles are fairly regular every 28-30 days, but have extremely heavy bleeding the first 4 days and then taper off and spot for 3-5 days more. I have fibroids. It has been very difficult to determine when I ovulate or if I do ovulate. So, what day would I test? Do you recommend ovulation strips? Thanku!

    1. If cycles are regular as you say, I recommend day 20-21. And test ovulation only if trying to conceive.

17. I was on a hormonal (levonorgestrel) iud for heavy bleeding for three years. I had it removed due to a serious adverse reaction. That synthetic steroid accumulates and is known to linger in the body long after the removal of the iud. How long after removal of the iud should I wait to do the Dutch test? Thank you.

    1. 3 months should be sufficient!

18. We are trying to figure out why my daughters hair has been thinning for the last 13 months. I’ve been to 9 doctors and specialists. I’m I terested in using the dutch testing. She takes a lot of supplements. So when would she need to stop taking the supplements amd what day of her cycle would she do the test? She is almost 16 years old. Thank you

19. Ive been on bio identical Estrogen (cream), Test(cream), Preg (Capsule) and Prog(Capsule) for a year and half. In December I found a cyst in my left breast and my DO told me to stop all BHRT with no alternatives. Hot flashes and no libido came right back. Ive been researching this urine hormone test (dutch test) in the hopes I can feel comfortable going back on after ruling out any estrogen metabolism issues. A few questions 1. Do you do phone consultations? I am in California. 2. Your feelings on pellet therapy 3. My mom died of post menopausal breast cancer in 2000 (they say it was from estrogen injections in the 70’s), i have developed a cyst after my estrogen was increased – am I still a candidate for BHRT? or is it something I should avoid?

    1. Hi!
       1. Yes I do remote consultations by phone, although I prefer video.
       2. It depends.
       3. You need to consult your provider for this question.
       Best,
       Laura

20. How do I go about finding an MD to guide my treatment? My GP has been trying to find the source of my insomnia for two years with no success. I’m 37, mother of two. I’ve had insomnia since I stopped breastfeeding my youngest. I truly think it’s hormone induced but no one has been able to help me! Help!

    1. Look on the Institute for Functional Medicine website for referrals. Some, like me, work remotely, and there may also be someone local to you.
       https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/

21. Hi, I’m interested in the Dutch test. But my problem is I’ve done saliva testing and blood work, I know these are not the same but it showed estrogen dominance but recently showed through serum low estrogen along with low testosterone.
    I’ve tried bioidentical cream for replacement of low progesterone which causes severe migraines and I’ve also tried replacing estrogen & testosterone with increased migraines. Have you came across someone who can’t take bioidenticals? I’m 42 hysterectomy with 1 ovary left.

    1. Yes, definitely have seen people who can’t tolerate bio-identical hormones.

22. Feeling so bad please call me

23. I have read about the use of bio-identical hormones for hormone replacement. What is your take on that?

    1. For hormone replacement, bio-identical is the way to go!

24. Hi Laura. In Judy’s example above with low cortisol and low sex hormones, treatment was with herbs, supplements and foods. Is it possible to bring hormones back to balance without needing bio identical hormones? I suffer from extreme fatigue all day long and I have estrogen dominance with uterine fibroids.

    Also, I cannot find the cost of consultations on your website.

    1. Hi,
       I never view bio-identical sex hormones as a necessity. I work with many women who prefer to not use them, ever.
       Work with me: https://www.parishealingarts.com/laura-paris-work-with/
       Best,
       Laura

25. Does the Dutch test for $365 invoice interpretation and suggestions for treatment or it that art extra cost?

    1. The fee is for the test and does include some lab notes. Further interpretation and treatment can be from your doctor.

26. I am currently seeing a hormone specialist and have been on bio-identical hormone replacement for several years. I’m 70 ( feel 50) however I’ve gained lots of weight around the mid line waist and nothing is helping. My doctor has had me do the blood spot test several times along with the saliva cortisol test. My cortisol was off balance and my estrogen is high. I’d like to take the DUTCH test and have my hormone specialist look at the results. How would he know what to adjust and what supplements to administer? Does the test give all this information to get me back on track? I eat gluten free, dairy free and whole foods 95% of the time. Appreciate any suggestions!

    1. Hi Jan,
       Most people have their practitioner interpret the DUTCH test for them and make recommendations.

27. Hello! I’m 48 and I am post menopausal. I am a personal trainer, I eat right and exercise daily and I am gaining weight. I’m tired all the time and I feel overwhelmed and foggy very often. The quiz said I am peri menopausal but I am most definitely post.
    (I went through menopause at 43)

    Can you help me understand the process?
    Do I send this test back to you or how does this work?

    Thank you!
    Shana Mullaney

    1. Shana I think there was confusion about this question on the quiz: Are you over age 40 and feel like you’re in puberty again with cycles changing, hot flashes, poor sleep, mood swings, or anxiety? … It should be Are you over age 40 and feel like you’re in puberty again with cycles changing PLUS hot flashes, poor sleep, mood swings, or anxiety? Meaning, still having cycles. I will fix this to make it more clear.

28. This sounds very interesting! Does the test cost include treatment options for high/low levels?

    1. No, the lab will generally give a written interpretation but not specific treatment

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