DUTCH-test

Stress hormones

The DUTCH test is particularly good when it comes to testing the stress hormone cortisol. It measures both the metabolized cortisol and total cortisol through metabolites, thereby giving a more accurate picture than a blood test, which does not tell us anything about how much cortisol is free and how much is bound (unavailable).

The DUTCH test gives you the answer. Cortisol is extremely important for you to get up in the morning and have energy for the day, but it is equally essential for you to be able to turn it down again when it is time to go to bed.

All of this gives the DUTCH test the answer to why the test can be relevant both if you suffer from anxiety or stress, but also if you have difficulty finding energy in everyday life.

Low energy levels can of course also be caused by other or more serious conditions.

Source: netdoktor.dk 

Sex hormones

The DUTCH test also provides insight into your sex hormones such as estrogen (Estron = E1, Estradiol=E2 Estriol =E3), Testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, as well as the conversion of these to other hormones such as DHT, the most potent male sex hormone. 

The DUTCH test further looks at how your body gets rid of estrogen, which is essential in terms of biotransformation (detoxification). This is particularly relevant to ensuring that hormones do not remain in the body and thereby affect conditions that are sensitive to estrogen, for example.

The test also looks at how your male sex hormones are converted in your body, which can have an impact on hair loss, unwanted beard growth, skin problems, etc. Male sex hormones are just as essential for men as for women, but the amount in men is of course higher.

Source: netdoktor.dk

Other markers

The DUTCH test provides several other pieces of information, including your amount of B12 inside the cells.

A normal blood test measures the available B12, but this is NOT an indication of whether B12 is entering the cell where it is needed. This is what the DUTCH test tests for and B12 is important in connection with methylation, which is the regeneration of DNA and it plays a crucial role in the detoxification process (Biotransformation), as well as for the formation of red blood cells.

B12 deficiency is more common than you might think and among meat eaters and it can cause several symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. The test also looks into vitamin B6 which, among other things, helps in the conversion of proteins. In addition, the DUTCH test provides answers to melatonin, dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline levels in your body, as well as several detailed metabolite markers.

Source: food.ku.dk

The DUTCH test is a very comprehensive test and provides a deep insight into your biochemistry and physiology. It is easy to do with a simple urine sample, so it is certainly affordable for most people. As with so many other tests and measuring tools, it is often necessary to first assess your situation so that all factors can be taken into account when a possible test is selected for you. It is important for Osteonordic and our Functional Medicine practitioners that there is a thorough review of your situation before testing tools are initiated.