By Dr Kathleen Schubert
As women, understanding our hormones and how they affect our
overall health and well-being is crucial. Hormonal imbalances can lead to many issues, including weight gain, mood swings, acne, and even an increased risk of certain cancers. Unfortunately, many doctors rely solely on blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, which may not give a complete picture of what’s happening in our bodies. That’s where the DUTCH test comes in – a dried urine test that provides a more comprehensive view of hormone levels and their metabolites.
One of the key advantages of the DUTCH test over traditional
blood tests is that it measures not only the total levels of oestrogen but also how it is metabolised. Oestrogen metabolites can be categorised as either
“good” or “bad” based on their effect on the body. Good oestrogen
metabolites have protective effects against certain cancers and are responsible for many of the beneficial effects of oestrogen, such as strong bones and healthy skin. Bad oestrogen metabolites, on the other hand, can increase the risk of breast and other hormonally related cancers.
Knowing how your body is metabolising estrogen is crucial in
identifying potential health risks and developing preventative strategies. For example, if you’re found to be metabolising oestrogen predominantly into the “bad” metabolites, your naturopathic or functional medicine
practitioner may recommend specific lifestyle changes or supplements to help improve your oestrogen metabolism and reduce your cancer risk.
The DUTCH test also includes organic acid markers, which can
give insight into how well your body is detoxifying and help identify mood-related issues. These markers can identify imbalances in neurotransmitter production, such as dopamine or serotonin, which can impact mood, energy, and sleep quality. Additionally, organic acid markers can help identify nutrient
deficiencies or imbalances that may be contributing to overall health issues.
Another advantage of the DUTCH test is that it includes
measurements of adrenal hormones, which play a crucial role in overall hormone balance. The adrenal glands produce hormones such as cortisol, which help regulate stress levels and inflammation in the body. Chronic stress can lead to imbalances in adrenal hormones, which can negatively impact hormone production and metabolism.
By measuring adrenal hormone levels, the DUTCH test can help
identify imbalances that may be contributing to hormone-related health issues.
This information can be used to develop personalised treatment plans that
address both hormonal imbalances and stress management strategies.
In conclusion, the DUTCH test is an important tool for women
who want to gain a more complete understanding of their hormones and overall
health. By measuring oestrogen metabolism, organic acid markers, and adrenal hormones, the DUTCH test provides a more comprehensive view of hormone levels and their impact on the body. Armed with this information, women can work with
their naturopathic/functional health practitioners to develop personalised wellness
plans that address their specific needs and health risks.
Order a DUTCH profile through Dr Kathleen & Team in New
Zealand today here: https://34.129.192.213/shop/dutch-complete/.
Located elsewhere in the world? Whether you are in the UK,
EU, Australia, Canada, or the USA, we can help as we offer testing and consultations virtually worldwide.
Contact us to order your test kit: reception@drkathleen.co.nz.
