DUTCH Testing 101: Who Needs It & When It’s Worth It

Hormones play a huge role in how you feel day to day—from your energy levels to your mood, metabolism, and overall health. But if you’re struggling with fatigue, irregular cycles, or unexplained symptoms, getting clear answers can be frustrating.

This is where DUTCH testing comes in.

DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is one of the most advanced hormone tests available and can provide deeper insights than standard blood work. But is it the right next step for you?

In today’s post, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about who should (and shouldn’t) get a DUTCH test, what it measures, and when it’s truly worth the investment.

What Is DUTCH Testing?

DUTCH testing is a functional medicine hormone test that measures a variety of hormone markers using dried urine samples collected over a 24-hour period.

Unlike standard blood tests, which provide a single snapshot in time, DUTCH testing gives you a more complete picture of how your hormones are being produced and metabolized throughout the day.

What Does DUTCH Testing Measure?

Estrogen, Progesterone, & Testosterone – Understanding your reproductive hormone balance
Cortisol & Stress Response – How your body is handling stress and energy production
Estrogen Metabolism – How your body processes and eliminates estrogen (which can impact hormone-related symptoms)
DHEA & Androgens – Markers for PCOS, adrenal health, and energy levels
Melatonin Levels – How well your body is producing this key sleep hormone

Who Should Consider DUTCH Testing?

DUTCH testing is especially useful if you’re experiencing:

Irregular or painful periods
PMS, mood swings, or heavy cycles
Fatigue, low energy, or burnout
PCOS, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility
Difficulty losing weight despite doing “all the right things”
Symptoms of estrogen dominance (bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, etc.)

If any of these sound familiar, DUTCH testing could help you pinpoint the root cause and create a targeted plan for balance.

**Who Should Not Get a DUTCH Test?**

While DUTCH testing is an incredible tool, it’s not for everyone. Here are a few situations where it’s not the best choice:

If you’re currently pregnant
If you’re on hormonal birth control (since synthetic hormones will skew the results)
If you’re breastfeeding and haven’t yet had at least 3 natural cycles post-weaning

In these cases, other functional testing (like HTMA testing) or foundational nutrition and lifestyle changes may be a better starting point before jumping into hormone testing.

**What Should You Do Before Investing in a DUTCH Test?**

Before running a DUTCH test, I always recommend assessing a few foundational health areas first:

Nutrient Status – Are you getting enough protein, fiber, and minerals to support hormone health?
Blood Sugar Balance – Are your meals well-balanced to prevent energy crashes and mood swings?
Sleep & Stress – Are you getting enough rest and managing stress in a way that works for you?
Supplement Overload – Are you taking too many supplements or ones that aren’t actually serving you?

Addressing these basics can make a massive difference before diving into hormone testing—and sometimes symptoms improve without needing a test at all.

Why I Recommend Pairing DUTCH & HTMA Testing

One of the best ways to get a full picture of your health is to combine DUTCH testing with an HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) test.

Why? Because HTMA testing tells us the ‘why’ behind your hormone imbalances.

While DUTCH testing shows what’s happening with your hormones, HTMA reveals the deeper root causes—like mineral imbalances, adrenal health, and stress response—which all play a huge role in hormone balance.

By running both tests together, we get a complete picture of what’s going on in your body, allowing us to create a truly customized plan for your health.

Ready to Get Answers About Your Hormones?

If you’ve been feeling off, struggling with fatigue, or frustrated with irregular cycles, DUTCH testing might be exactly what you need.

Right now, I’m accepting a few new 1:1 clients for hormone testing and personalized wellness plans.

Next steps:
DM me on Instagram (@wellnesswithvanda) if you’re wondering whether testing is right for you!
Grab my FREE Minerals for Mamas Guide to start supporting your energy and hormone health today.