Who Should Take the DUTCH Complete Hormone Test?

The DUTCH Complete Hormone Test is an innovative, cutting-edge tool for evaluating hormonal health, especially for women with menstrual cycles or those on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In this post, we’ll dive into why this test is an excellent option for women and how it provides a comprehensive understanding of your hormonal health.

You can easily order the DUTCH Test from our lab shop. By the way, “DUTCH” stands for “dried urine test for comprehensive hormones.” The results come with an automated interpretation from the Precision Analytical (DUTCH) Lab. For personalized support, you can book a consultation with me to go over your test results and create a tailored plan.

What Does the DUTCH Complete Hormone Test Measure?

The DUTCH Test provides a comprehensive panel of markers, measuring a wide range of hormones and related metabolites from dried urine samples. Here’s a detailed list of the markers it provides:

Hormones:

  1. Cortisol (Stress hormone)
  2. Cortisone (Inactive form of cortisol)
  3. Estradiol (E2) (Primary estrogen in reproductive years)
  4. Estrone (E1) (Estrogen predominant after menopause)
  5. Estriol (E3) (Weaker estrogen, significant during pregnancy)
  6. Progesterone (Hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy)
  7. Testosterone (Primary male hormone, present in women in smaller amounts)
  8. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone, precursor to sex hormones)
  9. DHEA-S (Sulfated form of DHEA, reflects adrenal function)
  10. Melatonin (Sleep-regulating hormone)

Hormone Metabolites:

  1. Cortisol Metabolites (5α-THF and 5β-THF)
  2. Estrogen Metabolites (2-OH-E1, 4-OH-E1, 16-OH-E1)
  3. Progesterone Metabolites (Pregnanediol, Pregnenolone metabolites)
  4. Testosterone Metabolites (5α-DHT, Androsterone, Etiocholanolone)

Organic Acid Markers:

  1. 8-OHdG (Oxidative stress marker) – Assesses oxidative stress, which can damage DNA and contribute to aging and chronic disease.
  2. Nutritional Markers – Indicate B vitamin status, neurotransmitter activity, and detox capacity, including:
    • B6 marker (Xanthurenate)
    • B12 marker (Methylmalonate)

Additional Markers:

  1. Neurotransmitter Metabolites – Dopamine and serotonin breakdown products that provide insight into mood regulation and stress.
  2. Glutathione Levels – An important antioxidant that helps detoxify the body.
  3. Gut Dysbiosis Marker – Indicates possible bacterial imbalance in the gut.

This comprehensive panel makes the DUTCH Complete Hormone Test one of the most thorough hormone evaluations available, offering valuable insight into various aspects of adrenal, reproductive, and metabolic health.

Why Should You Measure These Hormones?

There are several key reasons why testing all these hormones can be essential for women’s health:

1. Adrenal Health and Stress Response

If you experience issues like sleep disturbances, stress, anxiety, depression, or fatigue, the DUTCH Test can help by evaluating your adrenal hormones and their rhythms. The test specifically looks at the HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis), which governs your body’s response to stress and energy regulation.

2. Fertility and Reproductive Health

For women dealing with fertility issues, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, PMS, PMDD, irregular periods, or endometriosis, the DUTCH Test provides a complete picture of how adrenal and reproductive hormone imbalances contribute to these conditions. You’ll gain insights into your unique hormone profile, which is crucial for addressing PCOS and other reproductive concerns.

3. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

If you’re on HRT, it’s important to monitor your hormone levels. The DUTCH Test is ideal for evaluating hormones related to oral progesterone, vaginal hormones, patches, pellets, and injections. Note: this test is for HRT only, not hormonal birth control.

4. Sleep Issues

If you’re struggling with sleep problems, the DUTCH Test can help by assessing melatonin and cortisol levels. Low melatonin or high cortisol can disrupt your sleep cycle, making it difficult to get restful sleep.

5. DHEA Deficiency or Excess

Low DHEA, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, can result in fatigue, depression, muscle loss, aching joints, low libido, and weakened immunity. High DHEA can drive acne and unwanted hair growth. Testing for DHEA levels can provide clues about your overall well-being.

6. Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels are high relative to progesterone. This imbalance can worsen symptoms of PMS, painful periods, endometriosis, and fibroids, and can make perimenopause symptoms more intense.

7. Estrogen Metabolism and Cancer Risk

One of the most critical insights from the DUTCH Test is how your liver metabolizes estrogen. Poor estrogen metabolism can increase the risk of estrogen-related cancers, such as breast, cervical, and uterine cancer. This is why the DUTCH Complete Test is essential for all women, whether they have menstrual cycles or are on HRT.

How Does the DUTCH Complete Hormone Test Work?

The process is simple. The test kit includes paper strips that you dip into your urine at specific times over a 24-hour period. Once dry, you mail the strips using the included envelope. Within about two weeks, you’ll receive a comprehensive 16-page report that provides a detailed breakdown of your hormone levels. (You can view a sample report here.)

These results provide a clear and precise picture of your hormone health, allowing you to make personalized and targeted interventions, so you don’t have to guess!

Cost and Insurance Information

The DUTCH Complete Hormone Test costs $350, and while insurance doesn’t cover it (as it’s considered “investigative”), it provides far more information than standard blood tests. While blood tests can be useful, they don’t measure hormone metabolites, free cortisol, melatonin, or the other crucial markers that the DUTCH Test covers. We often use both blood and urine tests for a more comprehensive view.

Dried urine comprehensive hormone test for women
ORDER THE DUTCH TEST

Success Stories from Women Using the DUTCH Test

Here are some examples of how the DUTCH Test has transformed the lives of women we’ve helped. (Names and details have been changed to protect privacy.)

Melanie: Postpartum and No Periods

Postpartum woman with anxiety and depression and no menstrual cycles

Melanie (age 36) hadn’t felt herself since her second child’s birth. She struggled with insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, and low libido. After taking the DUTCH Test, we discovered she had low progesterone, low testosterone, and elevated stress hormones.

Outcome: With tailored supplements and dietary changes, Melanie got her period back, restored her energy, and stabilized her mood within three months.

Jasmine: Estrogen Dominance and Toxic Load

Woman with estrogen dominance and hormonal migraines using the DUTCH test to assess her hormones

Jasmine (age 29) suffered from PMS, painful periods, breast tenderness, and migraines. The DUTCH Test revealed low progesterone, high estrogen, and poor detoxification.

Outcome: By addressing estrogen dominance with herbs, supplements, and detox strategies, Jasmine saw significant improvements in her cycle and a dramatic reduction in migraines.

Gemma: PCOS and Infertility

Women with PCOS using the DUTCH test to get information about her hormones so that she can optimize fertility and get pregnant

Gemma (age 31) struggled with PCOS and irregular cycles. The DUTCH Test revealed high testosterone, low progesterone, and high cortisol.

Outcome: After three months of personalized treatment, Gemma regulated her cycles, lost weight, and became pregnant.

Lisa: Adrenal Dysregulation and High Cortisol

Woman using the Dutch hormone test causing causing problems with weight gain

Lisa (age 51) had trouble losing weight despite frequent exercise. Her DUTCH Test revealed high cortisol and a need for adrenal support.

Outcome: Through lifestyle adjustments and supplements, Lisa improved her energy levels, started losing weight, and felt calmer.

Judy: Adrenal Dysregulation and Infertility

Woman with fatigue and exhaustion testing her adrenal hormones to check for adrenal fatigue or cortisol imbalance

Judy (age 27) struggled with extreme fatigue and needed coffee to get through her day. She wanted to start a family but hadn’t conceived and was worried about her egg quality. The DUTCH Test revealed low cortisol and low sex hormones for her age.

Outcome: After six months of adrenal support with herbs, supplements, and foods, Judy restored her energy, returned to regular exercise, and became pregnant after eight months.

Aparna: Perimenopause with Estrogen Dominance

Adrenal Health, DUTCH Complete Hormone Test, Estrogen Dominance, Fertility, functional medicine, Hormone Imbalance, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Hormone Testing, menstrual cycle, women’s health

Aparna (age 42) experienced early menopause symptoms and high anxiety due to breast cancer medications. The DUTCH Test revealed low estrogen, poor metabolism, and high oxidative stress.

Outcome: After one year of detox and adrenal support, Aparna restored her sleep and vitality while reducing anxiety.

Take Control of Your Hormonal Health

Many women experience hormone-related symptoms but are often denied comprehensive testing. The DUTCH Complete Hormone Test empowers you to understand your hormones and make informed decisions for your health. Take charge of your hormone health today!

ORDER THE DUTCH TEST

Dr. Laura Paris provides Acupuncture and Functional Medicine care at her two clinics in Santa Cruz (Capitola) and Monterey, California. She also works with patients remotely in the United States through telehealth Functional Medicine appointments. Learn more about Laura here, and contact her office here.

Talk to laura directly with a discovery phone call ($67)

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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

        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!

  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.

  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/

  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!

  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.

  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

  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?

  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!

  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.

  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!

  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.

  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.

  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!

  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.

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