What Is the DUTCH Test and How Can It Help You Understand Your Hormones?
If you’ve been struggling with hormone symptoms like fatigue, PMS, painful periods, irregular cycles, low mood, or trouble sleeping, and you're not getting answers from standard blood tests - the DUTCH test might be the missing piece.
As a women’s health nutritionist, I use the DUTCH test to help clients dig deeper into what’s really going on with their hormones. It’s one of the most advanced hormone tests available and provides a clear, personalised picture of your hormone balance - from oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol to how your body detoxifies and metabolises these hormones.
In this blog post, I’ll explain what the DUTCH test is, how it works, what it can reveal, and why it’s so helpful if you’re dealing with hormone symptoms, PCOS, PMS, fatigue, or perimenopause.
What Is the DUTCH Test?
DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. Unlike standard blood tests that provide a one-time snapshot, the DUTCH test collects data across a full 24-hour period using urine samples, giving a far more accurate and in-depth picture of your hormone function.
The DUTCH Complete test looks at:
Oestrogen and oestrogen metabolites
Progesterone
Testosterone and DHEA
Cortisol levels and rhythm
Melatonin
Oestrogen and cortisol detox pathways
Key organic acid markers for nutrients and neurotransmitters
What Can the DUTCH Test Reveal?
The DUTCH test is especially useful if you’re dealing with:
PMS or PMDD - Understand if your symptoms are linked to low progesterone, estrogen dominance, or poor estrogen detoxification.
Fatigue or Burnout - It shows your cortisol pattern across the day, so we can see if you're in “wired and tired” mode or full-on adrenal burnout.
PCOS - We can assess your androgens (like testosterone and DHEA) as well as insulin, stress and estrogen-progesterone balance.
Perimenopause or Menopause - Track declining hormones and how your body is adapting—without relying on guesswork.
Sleep Issues - See how your melatonin and cortisol patterns may be impacting your ability to fall or stay asleep.
Acne, Hair Loss, or Weight Gain - These often link back to hormone imbalances, especially testosterone, cortisol, and oestrogen metabolism.
What Makes the DUTCH Test Different?
Unlike traditional blood hormone tests, the DUTCH test:
Captures hormone fluctuations over time, not just a single moment
Shows how your body is using and clearing hormones, not just how much is present
Measures free and metabolised hormones, for a full picture of hormone health
Gives insight into detox pathways, which affect how you process estrogen and cortisol
Is easy to do at home, with no need for a blood draw
Why I Use the DUTCH Test with Clients
In my clinical practice, the DUTCH test has been a game-changer for clients who:
Feel dismissed or frustrated by normal blood test results
Want to take a deeper, functional approach to hormone balance
Are preparing for conception and want to optimise hormone health
Are navigating perimenopause, PCOS, endometriosis, or chronic fatigue
It helps us pinpoint exactly what’s going on, so we can create a tailored nutrition, supplement, and lifestyle plan that actually works.
How Nutrition Supports DUTCH Test Findings
Once we have your results, we’ll use targeted nutrition strategies to support:
Oestrogen detox pathways (with cruciferous veg, fibre, and liver support foods)
Progesterone production (through healthy fats, vitamin C, and stress support)
Cortisol balance (via blood sugar regulation and adaptogenic support)
Androgen reduction (especially in PCOS, using anti-inflammatory and insulin-supportive foods)
What About Supplements?
DUTCH test results often highlight areas where targeted supplements can help, such as:
Magnesium and B vitamins for stress, energy, and hormone metabolism
DIM or Calcium-D-Glucarate for oestrogen clearance
Zinc, saw palmetto and nettle for androgen support
Ashwagandha, Rhodiola or L-theanine for nervous system and cortisol support
Omega-3s for inflammation and hormone balance
These should always be personalised - what’s helpful for one person could worsen symptoms in another, depending on their results.
When Is the Best Time to Do the DUTCH Test?
If you still have a menstrual cycle, we typically test between days 19–21 of a 28-day cycle (or around 5–7 days after ovulation) to capture peak hormone levels. If you're not cycling or are in perimenopause, testing can be done any time. I guide all my cleints on this and help them find the best day in their cycle to test.
Is the DUTCH Test Right for You?
If you’ve been struggling with symptoms like PMS, mood swings, fatigue, irregular cycles, or hormone-related acne, and haven’t found answers through conventional routes, the DUTCH test can be a powerful tool for understanding your unique hormone picture.
As a women's health nutritionist, I use DUTCH test results to build a personalised, practical plan to support your hormones, energy, mood, and wellbeing.
Ready to Get Clarity on Your Hormones?
If you're tired of guessing and want real answers, the DUTCH test could be the next step.
Book a free introductory call today to find out if it’s right for you and how we can work together to support your hormone health, naturally.
Megan Hallett and the content provided are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on meganhallett.com is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your doctor and/ or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, supplement, exercise or other health-related programs.
