Have you ever gone to the doctor because something felt off, only to be told your labs look normal?
You are not alone.
Many women in perimenopause and menopause are navigating fatigue, stubborn weight changes, mood swings, anxiety, poor sleep, low libido, or burnout. These symptoms are common during this phase of life, but because they’re often driven by fluctuating hormones, the root issue doesn’t always show up clearly on standard blood work.
Sometimes it helps to know what’s actually happening with your hormones. Are estrogen or progesterone low? Is DHEA declining? Are your cortisol rhythms off first thing in the morning? These are questions standard labs can’t answer.
Traditional blood tests can be helpful, but they usually offer a single snapshot in time. They often miss how sex hormones are being produced, how they’re being broken down, and how stress and disrupted sleep are influencing the nervous system. When you’re doing “all the right things” and still not feeling like yourself, that missing context matters.
Functional hormone testing looks at hormone patterns over time and how they interact with stress and daily rhythms. This broader view helps connect the dots between symptoms and physiology, offering more personalized insight rather than guesswork or symptom suppression.
What is the DUTCH test?
DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. It’s an at-home test that measures hormone levels and patterns throughout the day, providing a more comprehensive view than standard blood tests.
It helps answer questions like:
- Are you making enough hormones?
- Are you breaking them down in a healthy way?
- Is stress driving your symptoms?
- Is cortisol affecting your energy, sleep, or mood?
Depending on your needs, there are two main options for the DUTCH test.
DUTCH Plus
Best for: Fatigue, burnout, anxiety, or sleep issues in addition to hormone symptoms.
DUTCH Plus includes testing for:
- Sex Hormones: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA (a precursor for estrogen and testosterone).
- Hormone Metabolites: shows how your body breaks hormones down (not just how much you have).
- Full-day Cortisol Rhythm: tracks stress hormone levels from morning to night.
- Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR): provides extra insight into how your body responds to stress first thing in the morning.
Why DUTCH Plus?
This is the most comprehensive option and is especially helpful if you feel “wired but tired,” crash in the afternoon, struggle with sleep, or feel chronically overwhelmed. The CAR measurement gives valuable insight into burnout and nervous system resilience that other tests may miss.
DUTCH Complete
Best for: A full view of hormone balance and stress hormones.
DUTCH Complete includes testing for:
- Sex hormones + metabolites
- Full-day cortisol rhythm
- Some melatonin and organic acid markers
Please Note! DUTCH Complete does not include the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR).
Why DUTCH Complete?
This is a great option if your primary concern is hormone balance and overall stress patterns, and you don’t need the added depth of CAR testing. It still provides far more insight than conventional labs for less than a doctor’s visit and DUTCH Plus.
How I Use DUTCH Testing in My Practice
In my practice, hormone testing is never about chasing numbers or fixing a “broken” body. It’s about understanding what your symptoms are trying to communicate.
I use DUTCH testing to connect the dots between hormones, stress, and daily rhythms so we can understand why you’re feeling the way you are. Rather than looking at results in isolation, I interpret them alongside your symptoms, nervous system state, lifestyle, and life stressors.
From there, I translate the data into clear, realistic support. That may include targeted nutrition, supplements, lifestyle shifts, sleep support, and nervous system regulation strategies that fit your real life, not a perfect plan.
This approach helps move women out of guessing, pushing harder, or being told everything is “normal,” and into clarity, validation, and a supportive path forward.
Which Test is Right for You?
Both tests will provide you with more powerful data compared to typical lab tests from your doctor. The right choice depends on your symptoms, stress levels, and health goals.
- If you want a comprehensive hormone overview at a lower cost – DUTCH Complete.
- If stress, fatigue, sleep issues, or anxiety are at the forefront of your concern – DUTCH Plus.
No matter what, you will receive actionable data that will help you understand your body’s health and what it may need.
Functional hormone testing helps connect the dots between your symptoms, stress, and biochemistry so you can finally get answers and a clear path forward. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start understanding your body, functional hormone testing can be a game-changer.
Interested in learning more about the DUTCH test?
Book a Wellness Clarity Call