The DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is a private laboratory assessment designed to evaluate hormone patterns, metabolites, and related markers using dried urine samples collected at home. Unlike standard blood tests, the DUTCH Test measures multiple hormones across the day to provide a broader view of hormone metabolism and daily rhythms.
What Is the DUTCH Test?
The DUTCH Test is an at-home hormone test that uses multiple dried urine samples collected throughout the day. It assesses:
- Adrenal hormones such as cortisol and cortisone
- Sex hormones including oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
- Hormone metabolites
- Optional markers such as melatonin and organic acids
The test aims to show how the body produces, processes, and eliminates hormones, rather than providing a single snapshot of circulating levels [1,2].
The most comprehensive panel, DUTCH Complete, also includes oxidative stress and nutritional markers in addition to primary hormone measurements [1].
How the DUTCH Test Works
Samples are collected on special filter paper at home, at multiple points across the day, and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
This method provides:
- Insight into daily hormonal rhythms (e.g., cortisol variation throughout the day)
- Measurement of hormone metabolites to assess metabolism pathways
- Optional information on melatonin and oxidative stress markers, depending on the panel [1,2]
How It Differs from Standard Hormone Testing
Standard NHS hormone testing typically uses blood or saliva samples at a single time point. Key differences with the DUTCH Test include:
- Multiple timepoint collection to capture hormone fluctuations
- Analysis of hormone metabolites, not just parent hormones
- Optional inclusion of melatonin and other organic acid markers
It is important to note that the DUTCH Test is not a medically recognised diagnostic tool. It is mainly used in functional and personalised healthcare settings as part of a wider clinical assessment [2,3].
What the DUTCH Test Measures
Depending on the chosen panel, the DUTCH Test can include:
Hormones and Metabolites
- Cortisol and cortisone (stress hormones)
- Oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA
- Hormone metabolites
- Melatonin [1,2]
Organic Acids and Additional Markers
Some panels measure markers related to oxidative stress and nutritional metabolism [1].
Potential Uses and Considerations
Practitioners may use DUTCH Test results as part of a wider clinical assessment for:
- Adrenal stress patterns and cortisol rhythms
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
- Fertility evaluation
- Sleep-wake cycle support
Important considerations:
- The DUTCH Test is not a diagnostic tool for medical conditions such as menopause, thyroid disorders, or adrenal disease [3]
- Large-scale independent clinical validation is limited
- Results require interpretation by a trained healthcare professional [3]
Safety and Practical Points
- Non-invasive and performed entirely at home
- Correct sample collection is essential for accuracy
- Costs vary by provider and are generally not available on the NHS [1,2]
Frequently Asked Questions About the DUTCH Test
1. What is the DUTCH Test?
A home-based urine test assessing hormone levels and metabolites throughout the day to give an overview of hormone metabolism [1,2].
2. How does it differ from standard hormone testing?
It provides multi-timepoint analysis and measures metabolites, while standard blood or saliva tests typically measure hormones at a single time [2,3].
3. Who might use the DUTCH Test?
Adults exploring adrenal function, menstrual cycle patterns, fertility, or sleep-wake issues may consider it, under professional guidance [2,3].
4. What hormones does it measure?
Cortisol, cortisone, oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and sometimes melatonin and organic acid markers [1,2].
6. How is it performed?
Multiple dried urine samples are collected on filter paper at home and sent to a lab for analysis [1,2].
7. Is it safe?
Yes. It is non-invasive. People on certain medications or with medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional [2].
8. How long does it take to get results?
Results are usually available within 1–2 weeks of laboratory receipt [1].
References
- DUTCH Complete™ test overview and hormone/metabolite markers. Precision Analytical. (shop.dutchtest.com)
- Newman M, Curran DA. Reliability of a dried urine test for comprehensive assessment of urine hormones and metabolites. BMC Chemistry 2021;15:18. DOI:10.1186/s13065-021-00744-3.
- Newman M, Pratt SM, Curran DA, Stanczyk FZ. Evaluating urinary estrogen and progesterone metabolites using dried filter paper samples. BMC Chemistry 2019;13:20.
- Practical overview of DUTCH Test hormone panels and metabolites. Functional Labs UK.
