The DUTCH Test – A Powerful Diagnostic Tool

When it comes to navigating the complexities of hormonal health, there’s one tool we return to again and again at The Hormone Balance Clinic: the DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones). It’s not just another test — it’s a map. And for many of our clients, it’s the first time they’ve seen a clear picture of what’s actually going on inside their body.

Recently, Zora Benhamou — host of the Hack My Age podcast and one of the most respected voices in women’s peri/menopause wellness — had this to say after her session with our founder, Rowan Sanderson:

"Rowan, that was the best DUTCH test interpretation I’ve ever had."

Zora has interviewed leading hormone experts around the world. So when she said that, we knew it confirmed what we’ve seen time and again: the DUTCH test, combined with clinical insight, can be a game changer.

What Is the DUTCH Test?

The DUTCH Test (which stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is a cutting-edge diagnostic tool that provides a detailed look at how your hormones function over a full 24-hour period.

Unlike a standard blood or saliva test that gives you just a single snapshot, the DUTCH test collects multiple urine samples throughout the day. This allows for a much more dynamic and complete analysis of:

Sex hormones: Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA

Adrenal hormones: Cortisol and cortisone throughout the day

Hormone metabolites: How your body is metabolizing and detoxifying these hormones

Organic acid markers: Indicators of B vitamin status, oxidative stress, melatonin, and more

This level of insight is especially valuable for women in perimenopause or menopause, whose hormone levels may fluctuate dramatically and unpredictably. It shows us not only what your hormone levels are, but what your body is doing with them.

Why Typical Hormone Testing Falls Short

If you’ve been told your blood tests are "normal" but you still feel off, you’re not alone. Many traditional approaches to hormone testing only look at single levels in isolation. They fail to capture:

Fluctuations throughout the day

How hormones are being broken down and detoxified

The interaction between multiple hormone systems

For example, two women could have the same estrogen levels on a blood test, but one may be metabolizing it into healthy, protective forms while the other is converting it into forms linked with breast tenderness, heavy periods, or increased cancer risk.

The DUTCH test reveals this nuance — and that makes all the difference when crafting a truly personalized plan.

A Real-World Example: Sarah's Story

Sarah, a 48-year-old mother of two, came to our clinic exhausted, anxious, and stuck in a cycle of weight gain and sleepless nights. Her GP told her it was just part of aging and suggested an antidepressant.

But Sarah knew something deeper was wrong. We ran a DUTCH test, and the results were illuminating:

Her cortisol levels were flat throughout the day — no morning rise, no evening taper. Her adrenals were burned out.

Estrogen levels were erratic, with her body favoring the production of more aggressive metabolites that can be inflammatory.

Progesterone was almost non-existent, explaining her mood swings and insomnia.

With this data, we created a tailored plan focused on:

Supporting adrenal recovery with adaptogens and gentle lifestyle shifts

Detoxifying estrogen metabolites with cruciferous vegetables and targeted supplements like DIM and calcium-D-glycerate.

Replenishing progesterone naturally through seed cycling and nervine herbs

Within three months, Sarah reported deeper sleep, a more stable mood, and a 10-pound weight loss without extreme dieting. She said:

“I finally feel like myself again. I’m not just surviving. I’m living.”

How the DUTCH Test Works

Sample Collection: You collect four to five dried urine samples over a 24-hour period using provided filter paper strips.

Lab Analysis: The samples are sent to a specialist lab where hormone levels and metabolites are precisely measured.

Interpretation: Our clinic uses the results alongside a full health history to identify patterns and root causes.

Action Plan: You receive a customized plan tailored to your hormonal blueprint, with support from our clinical team.

This process transforms scattered symptoms into a coherent narrative. It becomes possible to make informed decisions about your health, whether that means natural support, targeted supplementation, or a deeper look at lifestyle and nutrition.

What the DUTCH Test Can Reveal

Here are just a few of the key insights this test provides:

• Low progesterone: A major factor in anxiety, insomnia, and irregular cycles

• Estrogen dominance: Leading to mood swings, weight gain, and heavy periods

• High cortisol: Often behind fatigue, sugar cravings, and stubborn belly fat

• Poor detoxification pathways: Impairing the safe breakdown of hormones

• Aromatization: When testosterone is being turned into estrogen (more common than many realize)

Each of these imbalances has a different root cause and requires a different solution. That’s why the depth and breadth of this test are so valuable.

Example Dutch Test results:

When to Consider the DUTCH Test

You might benefit from a DUTCH test if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Unexplained fatigue or burnout

• Difficulty sleeping or waking in the early hours

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

• Irregular or heavy periods

• Weight gain (especially around the belly)

• Low libido or vaginal dryness

• Brain fog or memory issues

These aren’t just signs of getting older. They’re messages from your body that something is out of balance.

Why Interpretation Matters

Here’s the truth: a DUTCH test is only as good as the person interpreting it.

As you can see from the images above, the Dutch test contains a lot of information which can be overwhelming. Having an experienced practitioner to interpret your results and draw relevant useful conclusions is vital!

Rowan Sanderson has been working in functional medicine and hormone health for over a decade and had interpreted hundred of tests. His gift lies in helping clients connect the dots between what the test shows and how they feel. It’s not about throwing supplements at symptoms — it’s about understanding the whole story.

That’s what made Zora’s comment so meaningful:

"Rowan, that was the best DUTCH test interpretation I’ve ever had."

If you’re someone who has felt dismissed or unseen in other healthcare settings, our approach will feel refreshingly different.

Ready to Get Clarity?

If you're ready to stop guessing and start understanding, the DUTCH test may be your next step.

At The Hormone Balance Clinic, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all protocols. We believe in data, nuance, and deep listening. The DUTCH test allows us to offer you real answers and sustainable support.

If you’d like to explore whether it’s right for you, contact us, or visit our services page to learn more.

Because your hormones aren’t just numbers — they’re messengers. Let’s start listening.

In vibrant health,

Rowan Sanderson

The Hormone Balance Clinic