Hormone Testing
Have you heard about the DUTCH test?
Listened to a Podcast with a discussion of its benefits?
Women and Men are hearing about this new test and contacting our clinic to learn more about it. We are one of the few Naturopathic Clinics in Calgary, Alberta that offers this testing.
The DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) hormone test is a functional lab test that can be
used to assess hormonal balance and provide valuable insights into an individual's health. Unlike traditional hormone tests that rely on blood or saliva samples, the DUTCH test utilizes dried urine to capture a more comprehensive picture of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day as well as insights on hormone detoxification.
One of the key advantages of the DUTCH hormone test is its ability to measure not only the levels of various hormones but also their metabolites, offering a more complete understanding of hormone metabolism. This is crucial because hormones are not only produced by the body but also undergo complex transformations, and assessing these metabolites can provide valuable information about how the body processes and eliminates hormones.
The DUTCH test covers a wide range of hormones, including but not limited to cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and melatonin. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, is measured at multiple time points throughout the day, allowing for a full 24 hour complete picture of the body's stress response and circadian rhythm. This detailed cortisol profile can help identify issues such as adrenal fatigue or cortisol dysregulation.
Estrogen and progesterone, crucial sex hormones for reproductive health in both men and women, are assessed to determine their balance and overall levels. Testosterone, important for muscle development, energy, and libido, is also included in the panel. Imbalances in these sex hormones can contribute to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, mood swings, menstrual symptoms, and reproductive issues.
Not only does the DUTCH test assesses estrogen levels, but also estrogen metabolites which tell us about the body's estrogen detoxification pathways. This information is particularly relevant in understanding the risk of estrogen-related conditions such as acne, PMS, breast cysts, breast cancer, ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, and hormonal weight gain.
The DUTCH test also evaluates melatonin levels, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Disruptions in melatonin production can contribute to sleep disorders and impact overall well-being. Newer medical research is supporting healthy melatonin levels as an antioxidant and even a cancer preventative hormone.
The process of taking the DUTCH test is convenient for individuals, as it involves collecting dried urine samples at various time points throughout the day and night. This allows for a more accurate representation of the body's hormonal fluctuations compared to a single-point measurement. The dried urine samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Interpreting the DUTCH test results requires expertise, as the intricate details of hormone metabolism and interactions are considered. Functional medicine practitioners and Naturopathic Doctors trained in hormonal health can use these results to create personalized interventions, including lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and targeted hormone therapies.
The DUTCH hormone test stands out by providing a comprehensive overview of various hormones and their metabolites, it offers valuable insights into hormonal balance, stress response, reproductive health, fertility, and sleep regulation. The DUTCH assists us to understand the delicate nature of our hormones to individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their health and well-being.
Please call 587 288 3706 to book a free discovery call with Dr. Stephanie Warner to see if this testing is right for you !