What is the DUTCH Plus test?
The DUTCH test is a Dried Urine test for Comprehensive Hormones. The DUTCH test is broken down into 4 areas and each test covers some or all of these elements:
- DUTCH Sex Hormones
- DUTCH Adrenal
- DUTCH Organic Acid Tests
- DUTCH Cortisol Awakening Response
DUTCH Sex Hormones
The DUTCH sex Hormone panel looks at hormone measurements including oestrogen metabolites, androgen metabolites (testosterone, DHEA, DHT) and progesterone metabolites. As well as the raw data this information is provided as a graphical representation so that any breakdown pathways can be easily understood.
DUTCH Adrenal
The DUTCH adrenal Panel looks at daily free cortisol and cortisone, in addition to looking at metabolites of cortisol and DHEA. It covers creatine measurements for the 4 testing measurements taken throughout the day.
DUTCH Organic Acid Tests (OAT)
The DUTCH Organic Acid tests give a comprehensive overview of potential hormone and metabolite imbalances or deficiencies that both effect our overall health and energy levels. This test looks at nutritioal organic acids such as Vitamin B6 and B12, biotin markers and glutathione. It includes the gut marker indican that can indicate potential dysbiosis is high.
In addition, it covers neurological inflammatory markers as some neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Melatonin and oxidative stress are covered.
DUTCH Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)
This gives information on adrenal function with cortisol awakening response so that cortisol levels can be mapped throughout the day to really pin point imbalances. It also shows the daily free cortisol and cortisone patterns.
What does the DUTCH Plus Test measure?
The DUTCH Plus Test covers all of the four areas above; Sex hormone and their metabolites, Adrenal hormones, Organic acid tests and the Cortisol Awakening Response. The DUTCH Plus test can help identify the root causes of hormone and adrenal imbalances in both men and women.
Balanced levels of sex hormones throughout life are crucial for optimal health for both men and women. Sex hormones influence reproductive capability and sexual characteristics. They contribute to the determination of our body shape, sexual character, motivation, behaviour and fertility. They fluctuate throughout life and imbalances in these pathways can result in a variety of symptoms.
The sex hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone belong to the steroid hormone group, which also includes DHEA, testosterone and cortisol. They work together to influence cellular physiology in many ways through connected pathways.
The DUTCH test can also be used to gather baseline measurements for the administration and monitoring of hormone replacement therapy.
Should you do a DUTCH Plus Test?
If you’re experiencing a hormonal imbalance, you may notice symptoms such as irregular menstruation (including heavy or painful periods), PMS, headaches, reduced libido, bloating, mood swings, fatigue, anxiety, depression, breast tenderness, and conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, acne, or weight gain all of which can be influenced by hormones, Completing the DUTCH Test will give you valuable information
When undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), it’s vital to consider how your body metabolizes these hormones and assess the potential risk of estrogen buildup.
The DUTCH plus provides the same information as the DUTCH complete but also looks at the cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), which really focuses on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, for an in-depth insight into the adrenal function.
The CAR test is measured at five points throughtout the day and has the benefit of breaking down any adrenal imbalances. Typically, on waking cortisol levels should rise and we will see a sharp increase in this on the CAR. An hour after waking should be the cortisol high point of the day and gradually decline. Seeing how the body respinds to cortisol in this part of the day, acts as a mini stress test and interventions can be targeted dependent on where the dysfunction may lie.
Who is the DUTCH Plus Test Suitable for?
The DUTCH Test is suitable for all women that want to have a look at their hormone levels and the impact on their menstrual cycle and well-being. The Dutch test can be used when you are taking an oral contraceptive pill or if you are using a Mirena Coil.
The DUTCH test can be used when you are menopausal and it is suitable for monitoring Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
The DUTCH test gives women information on how their cortisol levels respond throughout the day and vital information that can help identify any imbalances.
At Smart Nutrition we pride ourselves in offering the best cost possible for the DUTCH Test – complete dried adrenal and sex hormone test for women.