Why Your Hormone Tests Came Back "Normal" And What To Do Instead.
Have you had your doctor test your hormones and tell you they're "fine". Maybe that left you wondering why your mood swings like a pendulum during that time of the month? Or why you crave chocolate like a fiend? It could be that your doctors blood tests weren't able to pick up your significant hormonal imbalances and that your urine (not your blood) might just hold the answers to these questions.
A DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) urine test is a fancy way of saying that your pee is going to be analyzed to check your hormone levels. This "functional medicine" test can give you a wealth of information about your body, including how your hormones are behaving and whether or not you have any imbalances.
Blood Test vs. DUTCH Urine Test: Which is Better for Hormone Testing?
If you've ever had your hormones tested with a conventional doctor they likely used a blood test to check for hormonal imbalances. However, blood tests may not always provide a complete picture of your hormone levels, particularly for sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, as these hormones tend to fluctuate throughout the day.
In contrast, a DUTCH urine test gives you a more comprehensive view of your hormone levels by measuring not only the hormones themselves but also their metabolites, which are the byproducts of hormone metabolism. These metabolites can tell you how your body is processing and using your hormones, which is vital information when trying to understand hormone imbalances. Unlike blood testing, the DUTCH urine test is a comprehensive specialty test that your doctor most likely can't provide for you but that you can request by working with a practitioner like myself.
Understanding Hormone Imbalances and PMS Symptoms
By measuring both hormones and metabolites, a DUTCH test provides a more accurate and complete assessment of your hormone levels. This can be especially important for women experiencing PMS symptoms, as imbalances in estrogen and progesterone can contribute to mood swings, bloating, and other symptoms.
So, how does this relate to PMS? Well, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a collection of symptoms that many women experience in the days leading up to their period. These symptoms can include mood swings, bloating, fatigue, and headaches, to name just a few. And guess what? Hormones play a huge role in all of this.
During your menstrual cycle, your body goes through a series of hormonal fluctuations. These fluctuations can cause your body to react in different ways, which is why you might experience different symptoms at different times of the month. By analyzing your urine, a DUTCH test can give you an insight into these fluctuations and help you understand why you might be feeling the way you are.
How a DUTCH Urine Test Provides a Comprehensive View of Hormone Levels
For example, if your DUTCH test shows that you have high levels of estrogen, this could be contributing to your PMS symptoms. Estrogen is responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle, but too much of it can cause problems. Similarly, if your test shows that your progesterone levels are low, this could also be a contributing factor. Progesterone is important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, but it also plays a role in regulating your menstrual cycle.
Beyond Hormones: Other Health Factors Revealed by a DUTCH Test
But it's not just about hormones. A DUTCH test can also tell you about other aspects of your health, such as how well your body is detoxifying and how much cortisol (the stress hormone) you're producing. All of these factors can contribute to your overall sense of well-being and can affect how you feel during your period.
In summary, a DUTCH urine test can provide you with a wealth of information about your body and how it's functioning. By understanding your hormone levels and other factors, you can gain insight into why you might be experiencing PMS symptoms and what you can do to alleviate them. So, the next time you're feeling like a hot mess during that time of the month, consider getting a DUTCH test to see what's going on inside your body. Your pee might just hold the key to feeling better.
Are you curious about your own hormone levels and the benefits of balancing them naturally? Then reach out to me and I'll see if my hormone balancing programs are right for you.
