Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can bring a host of disruptive symptoms—fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain, and more. Uncovering the root cause of these symptoms is essential for finding effective relief. The DUTCH Complete Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is a cutting-edge functional test designed to provide a detailed look into your hormonal landscape, offering insights far beyond what standard blood tests can reveal.
What is the DUTCH Complete Test?
The DUTCH Complete Test is an advanced hormonal panel that measures:
- Sex Hormones: Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and their metabolites.
- Adrenal Hormones: Cortisol and cortisone levels throughout the day.
- Melatonin: Your sleep-wake cycle regulator.
- Nutritional and Neurotransmitter Markers: Indicators like oxidative stress and B12 activity.
Developed by Precision Analytical Inc., this test uses dried urine samples collected at specific intervals over 24 hours to provide a comprehensive snapshot of your hormonal activity.
How is the DUTCH Complete Different from Blood Tests?
Unlike standard blood tests that measure static hormone levels at a single point in time, the DUTCH Complete offers:
- Hormone Metabolites
- Tracks how hormones like estrogen and testosterone are broken down and excreted, providing insights into hormonal imbalances and their potential impacts (e.g., increased cancer risk from poor estrogen metabolism).
- Cortisol Patterns
- Measures cortisol levels throughout the day to assess adrenal function and stress response.
- Non-Invasive Collection
- Requires simple urine collection at home rather than a lab visit.
- Comprehensive Insight
- Combines sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and additional markers into a single, actionable report.
Markers Tested in the DUTCH Complete
1. Estrogen and Metabolites
- Evaluates total estrogen levels and their breakdown pathways to assess risks for conditions like estrogen dominance or poor detoxification.
2. Progesterone Metabolites
- Assesses luteal phase function and progesterone’s role in balancing estrogen.
3. Testosterone and Androgens
- Tracks testosterone and DHT levels, helping identify issues like hair loss, acne, or androgenic symptoms.
4. Cortisol and Cortisone
- Measures free and metabolized cortisol to assess adrenal function, which is critical in stress management and energy regulation.
5. Melatonin
- Provides insight into sleep-wake cycle disruptions, common during perimenopause and menopause.
6. Organic Acids and Nutritional Markers
- Tracks markers of oxidative stress, neurotransmitter metabolism, and nutrient deficiencies that can impact overall health.
Benefits of the DUTCH Complete Test
- Comprehensive View: Captures hormone metabolites and diurnal patterns, offering more detail than traditional testing.
- Targeted Treatment: Identifies specific imbalances to tailor therapies, whether dietary, lifestyle, or hormonal.
- Convenient: Allows for at-home sample collection with easy-to-follow instructions.
- Correlation with Symptoms: Links test results with clinical symptoms to better understand and address root causes.
Limitations of the DUTCH Complete Test
- Not Diagnostic: The test is a tool for assessing imbalances but cannot diagnose specific diseases.
- Cost: As an advanced test, it may not be covered by insurance, making it a more significant investment.
- Specialized Interpretation Needed: Requires a trained provider to analyze results and create a personalized care plan.
How We Use DUTCH Complete at Antigravity Wellness
At Antigravity Wellness, we specialize in interpreting and applying DUTCH Complete results to provide targeted care. Based on your test results, we:
- Develop personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
- Suggest specific supplements or hormone therapies tailored to your unique needs.
- Monitor progress with follow-up testing to ensure effective treatment.
Further Resources and Readings
- Hormone Intelligence by Dr. Aviva Romm
- The Hormone Cure by Dr. Sara Gottfried
- Research Articles:
Discover Your Hormonal Balance with Antigravity Wellness
Understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step to improving your quality of life. The DUTCH Complete Test offers unparalleled insight into the complex interplay of hormones that impact your energy, mood, sleep, and overall well-being.
At Antigravity Wellness, we combine advanced functional testing like the DUTCH Complete with holistic care to create personalized plans for perimenopausal and menopausal women. If you’re ready to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and take control of your health, schedule a brief initial consult today.
