The DUTCH Test — The Most Comprehensive Hormone Test Available
If you’re dealing with hormonal symptoms and standard blood tests haven’t given you useful answers, the DUTCH test could be the clarity you’ve been looking for. DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones — and it’s one of the most detailed hormone panels available to women today.
At The Allergy Clinic, Rachel McAuslin uses the DUTCH test to get a full picture of how your hormones are behaving — not just what their levels are, but how your body is producing, using, and clearing them.
What Does the DUTCH Test Measure?
Unlike a standard blood test that gives a single snapshot, the DUTCH test measures hormone patterns across a full day. It covers:
- Oestrogen and its metabolites — including how your body is breaking down oestrogen, which matters for breast health and hormonal balance
- Progesterone — key for mood, sleep, and cycle regulation
- Testosterone and DHEA — often overlooked in women but important for energy, libido, and confidence
- Cortisol patterns — how your stress hormone rises and falls throughout the day
- Melatonin — which affects sleep quality and is closely tied to cortisol rhythm
This breadth of information is what makes the DUTCH test so valuable — particularly for women in perimenopause or those who feel hormonal but can’t get clear answers from their GP.
Who is the DUTCH Test for?
This test is worth considering if you’re experiencing:
- Irregular or heavy periods
- PMS, mood swings, or anxiety around your cycle
- Perimenopause symptoms — hot flushes, poor sleep, brain fog, weight changes
- Fatigue that worsens at certain times of the month
- Low libido or motivation
- Suspected oestrogen dominance or progesterone deficiency
You don’t need to be in perimenopause to benefit — the DUTCH test is useful at any hormonal life stage.
How Does the DUTCH Test Work?
The test uses dried urine samples collected at specific times over one day — including morning, afternoon, evening, and before bed. The collection kit is simple to use at home. Samples are sent directly to the lab, and results come back within two to three weeks.
Rachel reviews every result in a dedicated follow-up consultation. She’ll explain what your hormone patterns mean, how they connect to your symptoms, and what a realistic treatment plan looks like.
The test gets done in the comfort of your own home. If you’d like to order a DUTCH test kit or have any questions, please contact us here.
Q: What is the DUTCH test and what does it measure? The DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is a functional hormone panel that measures oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin — along with how your body metabolises these hormones throughout the day.
Q: How is the DUTCH test different from a standard hormone blood test? A standard blood test gives a single snapshot of hormone levels at one point in time. The DUTCH test measures hormone patterns across a full day and includes metabolites — showing not just levels but how your body is processing and clearing hormones.
Q: Is the DUTCH test suitable for women in perimenopause? Yes — it’s particularly valuable for women in perimenopause because it captures the full hormonal picture, including cortisol and oestrogen metabolism, which are often key drivers of perimenopausal symptoms.
Q: How do I collect the DUTCH test samples? You collect dried urine samples at home at four to five specific time points across one day. Rachel will walk you through the process and provide everything you need before you start.
Q: Can the DUTCH test help with PMS and mood symptoms? Yes. Hormonal imbalances — particularly low progesterone or poor oestrogen metabolism — are common drivers of PMS, anxiety, and mood changes. The DUTCH test can identify these patterns clearly.