If you have done some research on hormones before, then it is likely that there are many things that you are already familiar with regarding the hormones in your body. For example, you may have heard of the DUTCH test, meaning that you are pretty knowledgeable about these things. Just knowing the DUTCH test does not necessarily mean that you have undertaken the DUTCH test. It can be somewhat challenging to set up an appointment for the test due to questions like whether or not your physician’s help is required.
What Is the DUTCH Test, Briefly?
The DUTCH test stands for “Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones” and refers to an at-home test that allows one to assess more than 35 various hormones and metabolites based on dried urine samples within 24 hours. The DUTCH test is often used for the detection of the presence of hormone imbalance disorders, such as fatigue, mood changes, cycle irregularities, PCOS, menopause, and many others.
In spite of the fact that the process of the DUTCH testing itself largely involves home-based activities, scheduling it still involves several critical steps.
Step 1: Identify Whether You Need the DUTCH Test
A DUTCH test may be suitable if you consider some of the following:
- Feel fatigued, experience brain fog, mood swings, low libido, or sleep poorly
- Are going through perimenopause, menopause, or fertility issues
- Believe that you may have an adrenal dysfunction
- Would like to track how effective your hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is
- Have been told that all looks “normal” in a blood test, yet you are still not feeling well
In case of doubt, you might want to take advantage of a brief consultation with a functional medicine physician to figure out whether a DUTCH test is what you need.
Step 2: Choose How You Want to Book
There are three main pathways to booking a DUTCH test, depending on your preference and location.
Option A: Through a Functional Medicine or Integrative Health Provider
This one would be the most suggested approach to take. The practitioner who underwent training will analyze your medical history and determine the proper type of DUTCH testing for you, since there are various types of it, and assist in the interpretation of the result. Practitioners certified to order tests are listed in the provider’s directory on their official website.
Option B: Through an Online Health Platform
In the current state of telemedicine, you can choose from several online telemedicine service providers to order DUTCH testing. It implies that you should register on their website, complete a questionnaire concerning your medical history, and get examined by a certified professional. Then, upon successful completion, the company will send you a test kit to your address. This solution could prove effective if there is no functional medicine practitioner in your area.
Option C: Direct Order (Where Available)
The third solution is self-purchase, which also has its advantages and disadvantages. In some countries, it’s possible to buy a DUTCH test through an online store without a prescription. On the other hand, this approach is associated with one disadvantage: the results report is rather complicated to understand.
Step 3: Select the Right DUTCH Test
Not all DUTCH tests are the same. Here’s a quick overview of the most common options:
- DUTCH Complete – This is the gold-standard test. It assesses sex hormones, adrenal hormones, organic acids, and melatonin levels. It is the best test to perform an overall hormonal assessment.
- DUTCH Plus – All features of the DUTCH Complete, plus the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). The CAR provides additional information about the body’s response to stress during morning hours.
- DUTCH Cycle Mapping – For women with a regular menstrual cycle. It evaluates hormone levels throughout the cycle rather than only at one point within it. Useful for fertility and PMS issues.
- DUTCH Sex Hormone Metabolites – For individuals taking HRT or who have estrogen pathway-related concerns. Focuses only on estrogen and testosterone metabolites.
Your provider will usually recommend the right type based on your symptoms and goals.
Step 4: Schedule Your Consultation
Whether through booking in the clinic, using the telehealth service, or ordering, it is a normal process to start with a consultation either before or after the test. This will be the time when:
- You will talk about your symptoms and background,
- Get information on which DUTCH test suits you best,
- get instructions on the preparation process for the sample (for instance, things not to do before the test),
- Order the kit and receive it right at your place.
The situation where you need to have a face-to-face consultation requires making a booking through the clinic website or by contacting the clinic on the phone. If you opt for telehealth, then all bookings happen online within a few days.
Step 5: Receive Your Test Kit
Once the test is ordered, a collection kit is mailed to your address. The kit typically includes:
- Absorbent filter paper strips for urine collection
- A clean collection cup
- A test requisition form (must be filled out completely)
- Prepaid return shipping materials
- Detailed collection instructions
- The kit usually arrives within a few business days, depending on your location and the shipping method used.
Step 6: Prepare for Sample Collection
This step matters more than most people realize. Certain foods, supplements, and medications can affect your results, so preparation is important.
General preparation guidelines include:
- Do not take biotin supplements for at least 48 hours before specimen collection
- Do not take oral DHEA for 48 hours before specimen collection
- Do not take oral estrogens (except contraceptive pills) and pregnenolone for 72 hours before specimen collection
- Limit alcohol intake one day before testing
- For women with regular periods, testing is preferably done on Day 19 through 21 of a 28-day menstrual cycle (with Day 1 being the first day of their period)
Please check the exact recommendations provided in the kit that you received, as these may differ based on the specific type of DUTCH test you will be taking.
Step 7: Collect and Ship Your Samples
The collection takes place during one single day (24 hours). During this process, you need to collect four to five urine samples using the specially designed absorbent strips at specified times – for example, before meals, before sleep, in the middle of the night, after waking up, and two hours after waking up. The collected absorbent strips are labeled, fully dried, and put into their appropriate bags.
Once you have successfully dried all the samples, you can now pack everything inside the test kit and take it to the appropriate drop-off facility by using the pre-paid shipping labels provided by the company.
Step 8: Wait for Your Results
Generally, results of DUTCH tests will be released within seven to fifteen business days upon receipt of the specimen collection kits. Mostly, the release of test results is done via digital channels, either directly to you or to your physician.
For more details concerning the DUTCH test and how to receive your results as well as who can interpret them, visit the site dutchtesting.org.
Step 9: Review Results With a Practitioner
This is possibly the most crucial stage. The DUTCH test results contain a wealth of information on hormone levels, metabolite ratios, cortisol profiles, etc. In the absence of a correct interpretation, it can be quite challenging to interpret the results.
A trained healthcare provider will interpret for you how the information provided by the test results relates to your symptomatology and health issues. You will learn about what information is important and clinically significant, as well as what actions should follow from those results.
How Much Does It Cost to Book a DUTCH Test?
The cost varies depending on your location, provider, and which test you choose. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| DUTCH Complete Test Kit | $300 – $500 |
| Initial Provider Consultation | $100 – $250 |
| Results Review Consultation | $100 – $200 |
| Insurance Coverage | Usually Not Covered |
Some platforms bundle the test and consultation into one package, which can be more cost-effective. It’s worth asking about bundle options when you book.
Tips for a Smooth Booking Experience
- Take enough time during the preparation stage. Taking samples when not instructed could have an impact on accuracy and might call for retaking.
- Seek the services of DUTCH-trained health care providers. Not all health care providers are conversant with the analysis of DUTCH tests.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze the samples. The samples should be kept at normal temperature until they are sent to the lab.
- Ship the samples quickly. Ship the samples as soon as you have taken them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a doctor to book a DUTCH test?
In most scenarios, yes – either a healthcare practitioner or a certified DUTCH professional must order the test for you. However, there are online services that offer the ability to purchase it without an initial appointment.
How long does it take to get a DUTCH test appointment?
Depending on where you live and what telehealth service you choose, you can often get an appointment within 24-72 hours. Clinic visits might require more time depending on their schedule.
Can I take the DUTCH test while on birth control?
Yes, but the test results will show the effect of hormones from the contraceptive. You must inform your practitioner about your contraception.
What if I have an irregular cycle – when should I test?
The best time will depend on the length of your menstrual cycle. For cycles that don’t follow a pattern, the DUTCH Cycle Mapping test may work better.
How will I receive my DUTCH test results?
The results will usually be emailed to you and/or your provider within 7 to 15 business days from the time your sample(s) were received at the lab.
Is the DUTCH test available internationally?
Yes, the DUTCH test is offered worldwide. It is advisable, however, to consult your provider or the lab to find out shipping times and which labs partner with the lab performing the DUTCH test.
What should I do if my results come back abnormal?
If you receive abnormal results, it’s always a good idea to discuss them with your provider. Based on the results, additional testing, supplementation, hormone replacement, or other recommendations may be considered.
