What is the DUTCH Plus test with Cycle Mapping for Women?
The DUTCH test is a Dried Urine test for Comprehensive Hormones. The DUTCH Plus with cycle mapping test is broken down into the 5 areas below:
- DUTCH Sex Hormones
- DUTCH Adrenal
- DUTCH Organic Acid Tests
- DUTCH Cortisol Awakening Response
- Cycle Mapping is beneficial for those with irregular or no periods that mean a single day measurement would be insufficient.
DUTCH Sex Hormones
The DUTCH sex Hormone panel looks at hormone measurements including oestrogen, androgen (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.
Cycle Mapping
The DUTCH cycle mapping allows for the hormonal pattern to be “mapped” out throughout the menstrual cycle. This means that both oestrogen and progesterone measurements are taken throughout the cycle, with nine targeted measurements taken so that the follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases can be mapped. Ideally the cycle would show lower oestrogen levels at the early part of the cycle, with a surge around ovulation and then this dropping in the luteal phase of the cycle. Progesterone levels should rise significantly after ovulation and drop back down after your period. Disruptions in these key hormones can result in infertility or other conditions related to hormone imbalance.
Adding in the cycle mapping would be recommended in the following cases:
- Infertility
- Irregular cycles
- PCOS
- If you have cycling hormones but no periods
- Partial hysterectomy (ovaries intact but no uterus)
- Luteal phase shifting month to month
- Long or short cycles and hence unsure when to test
- Ablations
- PMS
- Mid-cycle spotting
- Migraines
When cycle mapping would not be required:
- Postmenopausal
- Regular cycles
- Women on birth control
What does the DUTCH Plus with Cycle Mapping Test measure?
The DUTCH Plus with Cycle Mapping Test is the most comprehensive test and covers the 5 areas above; Sex hormone and their metabolites, Adrenal hormones, Organic acid tests, Cortisol Awakening Response and Cycle Mapping. The DUTCH Plus test can help identify the root causes of hormone and adrenal imbalances in women.
Balanced levels of sex hormones throughout life are crucial for optimal health. 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.
Should you do a DUTCH Plus with Cycle Mapping 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 with cycle mapping would be appropriate for individuals suffering from the above and an irregular period or no period so that the the different phases of cycle can be identified.
The DUTCH plus with cycle mapping has the benefit of assessing the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), which 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 with Cycle Mapping Test Suitable for?
The DUTCH Plus with Cycle Mapping 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. It is especially suited to those suffering with infertility, PCOS, Irregular cycles, Partial hysterectomy, shifting luteal phase, long or short cycles, mid-cycle spotting, migraines, and PMS.
The DUTCH Plus test gives women information on how 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 Plus with Cycle Mapping Test for women.