What is the DUTCH Test?

Used by functional medicine practitioners worldwide, the DUTCH test offers a comprehensive picture of hormone function and metabolism – helping individuals take a more informed and personalised approach to their health.

DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. It is a non-invasive hormone test that measures a wide range of hormones and their metabolites through urine samples collected over the course of a day or a full month, depending on which test you opt for.

Unlike traditional blood tests, which offer just a snapshot of hormone levels at a single point in time, the DUTCH test tracks fluctuations throughout the day. This provides a more detailed and accurate picture of how your hormones are behaving and how your body is processing them.

The test is conducted at home using easy-to-follow instructions. You collect 4–5 urine samples on specially designed filter paper, allow them to dry, and then send them to a lab for analysis. Results are typically returned within a few weeks and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner. The full month test requires a urine sample each day for the month.

What Does the DUTCH Test Measure?

The DUTCH test covers a wide range of hormone markers, including:

🔹 Sex Hormones

• Oestrogens (E1, E2, E3)

• Progesterone

• Testosterone

• DHEA and other androgens.

  These give insight into reproductive health, fertility, PMS, and hormonal changes linked to menopause or andropause.

🔹 Adrenal Hormones

• Cortisol and cortisone (both free and metabolised)

  These hormones play a crucial role in the body’s stress response, energy production, and sleep-wake cycle.

🔹 Melatonin

• A key hormone involved in regulating sleep and circadian rhythm.

🔹 Oestrogen Metabolism

• The test shows how your body breaks down oestrogen, which is important in assessing risk factors for hormone-sensitive conditions such as fibroids.

  
  

Who Can Use the DUTCH Test?

The DUTCH test is suitable for both men and women and can be particularly useful for individuals experiencing:

• Unexplained fatigue or low energy

• Chronic stress or burnout

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

• Irregular periods, PMS or symptoms of perimenopause

• Low libido or sexual dysfunction

• Sleep disturbances or poor recovery

• Suspected hormone imbalances not confirmed by standard blood tests

  
  

It’s also valuable for those who are undergoing or considering bioidentical hormone therapy, as it provides a baseline and helps monitor how the body is responding.

Why Choose the DUTCH Test?

✅ In-depth hormone analysis

It provides a broader and more nuanced picture of hormonal health than conventional blood tests.

✅ Convenient and non-invasive

The test can be done from the comfort of your own home, without the need for needles or time-sensitive lab visits.

✅ Personalised guidance

The detailed results allow practitioners to tailor recommendations specifically to your hormone profile – whether that includes nutrition, supplements, lifestyle changes, or further investigations.

✅ Support for long-standing symptoms

If you've been told everything is "normal" but still feel out of balance, the DUTCH test can uncover subtle dysfunctions that may otherwise be missed.

And Finally

The DUTCH hormone test offers a sophisticated, accessible way to understand what's really going on with your hormones. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, struggling with low energy, or just want to optimise your wellbeing, this test can provide the insight you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.

If you're interested in further information on this test, or wish to take a DUTCH test, please contact me either by booking a 15-minute FREE discovery call or email me at emma@emmahammondnutrition.com.