What Is the DUTCH Test—And Why Are Menopause Experts Obsessed With It?

If you're navigating perimenopause or menopause and want to understand what’s really going on with your hormones, standard bloodwork might only scratch the surface. That’s where the DUTCH test comes in. No, we’re not talking about the Netherlands. DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones, and it's one of the most advanced hormone tests available today, especially when it comes to personalized menopause care.

What Is the DUTCH Test?

The DUTCH test is a lab-developed, at-home urine collection test that measures hormone metabolites in your urine over the course of a day. Unlike traditional blood or saliva tests that offer a single snapshot, DUTCH provides a time-lapse view of how your body is producing, using, and breaking down hormones.

What Does It Measure?

This test goes way beyond just checking your estrogen and progesterone. It measures:

• Estrogens (Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol)

• Progesterone metabolites

• Androgens (Testosterone, DHEA)

• Cortisol and its metabolites throughout the day

• Melatonin

• Organic acids (in some versions)

• Methylation markers for hormone detox

Why It Matters in Midlife

For women in perimenopause and menopause, hormones don’t just decline, they fluctuate, shift, and sometimes go rogue before they settle down. Blood tests can miss those nuances. But the DUTCH test can:

• Reveal estrogen dominance or low estrogen patterns

• Show if progesterone is too low to balance estrogen

• Map your cortisol curve (supporting or sabotaging energy and sleep)

• Assess testosterone or DHEA levels

• Reveal if your detox pathways are sluggish

• Provide clues for mood, metabolism, weight gain, and hot flashes

Who Is It For?

The DUTCH test is ideal for:

• Women in perimenopause or early postmenopause with fatigue, brain fog, or hormone therapy needs

• Anyone starting or already using bioidentical hormone therapy

• Women with mysterious symptoms and normal bloodwork

• Those who want a root-cause, personalized approach

How Does It Work?

1. You collect dried urine samples on a test card at four or five points throughout the day.

2. Mail it back to the lab.

3. Your provider receives a detailed report on hormone production, metabolism, detox, and cortisol patterns.

4. A treatment plan is created based on your real biochemistry.

DUTCH vs. Blood Tests

DUTCH Urine Test:

• Measures hormone metabolites

• Reveals hormone detox pathways

• Assesses diurnal cortisol rhythm

• Done at home, no needles

Standard Blood Test:

• Measures hormones only

• Doesn’t show detox status

• Usually one cortisol level

• Requires a blood draw

Think of it this way: Blood tests are the headlines. The DUTCH test is the full story.

Are There Any Downsides?

• Not covered by most insurance

• Not necessary for everyone

• Requires an experienced practitioner to interpret

Bottom Line

If you’ve ever said:

• “I’m doing everything right and still feel off.”

• “My doctor says my labs are normal, but I don’t feel normal.”

• “I want to know exactly what my hormones are doing before adjusting HRT.”

Then the DUTCH test may be your new best friend. When it comes to menopause, data is power—and precision is everything.

References

1. Precision Analytical Inc. https://dutchtest.com

2. Jones, H. (2016). “DUTCH: The New Gold Standard in Hormone Testing.” Townsend Letter.

3. Larez, M. (2020). “Understanding DUTCH Testing in Clinical Practice.” Journal of Restorative Medicine, 9(1), 5-12.

4. Institute for Functional Medicine. Hormone Testing and BHRT Tools for Clinicians.