I get so frustrated hearing women tell me that their doctor told them “there’s no reason to test your hormones” and that their symptoms or concerns are “a natural part of getting older”.
If you want to prioritize your health, you cannot overlook the importance of testing your hormones. Hormones are an important part of your physiology and should be tested regularly, just like your other blood work. Not to mention that you deserve to know exactly what’s going on in your body and with your health.
Don’t let a doctor dismiss your symptoms or determine how you want to take care of your health, especially if you are in perimenopause and post menopause.
As a Functional Health Practitioner, I work with women to help them gain a deeper understanding of their hormones and what’s happening with their health and my favorite hormone test is the DUTCH Complete.
The DUTCH Complete test is the most advanced hormone test, offering an extension profile of sex and adrenal hormones and melatonin, along with their metabolites, to identify hormone imbalances.
Once identified, a personalized protocol can be designed in order to take a more strategic approach to restoring hormone health.
Markers included:
- Analysis of 35 different hormones: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, and cortisol along with their metabolites
- Daily free cortisol patterns to provide insight into adrenal insufficiency or symptoms of chronic stress
- 10 Organic Acid Test markers which provide insight into nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, neuroinflammation and more.
When you should get tested:
- If you’ve never had a DUTCH test run and you suspect your have any level of hormone imbalance or are struggling with significant hormone imbalances.
- If you are ready to gain a better understanding of your body, adrenal health, stress, hormones and hormone metabolism.
- If you are considering hormone replacement and want to see how your body metabolizes Estrogen.
When to re-test:
- If symptoms have returned or new symptoms are showing up.
- If estrogen markers were off, it’s important to stay on top of this.
- If you are using hormone replacement, annually, to assess proper estrogen metabolism.
- Annually, with your regular blood work, to stay connected to what’s happening within your body so you can take control of your health.
If you are interested in a DUTCH test; if it’s time to get retested; or if you would like to learn more; Let’s connect! Schedule a consult call.