DUTCH Test Myths: Science-Based Facts You Need to Know

Hormones play a vital role in everything from energy and metabolism to mood and reproductive health. When these hormones fall out of balance, symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, or poor sleep can appear — but pinpointing the cause isn’t always easy.
That’s where the DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) comes in. This advanced lab test offers a detailed snapshot of how your body produces, metabolizes, and clears hormones — giving valuable insight into your endocrine and adrenal health.

However, understanding the results can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through how to interpret DUTCH test results, what key values mean, and why partnering with a qualified healthcare provider is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Key Takeaways

The DUTCH test measures sex and adrenal hormones — including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol — plus their metabolites.
Reference values show what’s considered a normal range for healthy function.
Abnormal hormone levels may signal underlying issues like adrenal fatigue, estrogen dominance, or low progesterone, but professional guidance is essential for proper interpretation.
Heally connects you with licensed providers who can review your DUTCH test and create a personalized care plan.

What Does the DUTCH Test Measure?

The DUTCH test provides a comprehensive picture of hormone activity by measuring both parent hormones and their metabolites — how your body processes and eliminates them. It does this through an easy, at-home urine collection method.

Key Hormones Measured:

Cortisol and Cortisone: Reflect adrenal function and stress response.
Estrogen and its Metabolites (E1, E2, E3): Show how your body produces and clears estrogen, revealing potential estrogen dominance or detox issues.
Progesterone Metabolites: Indicate ovulation status and balance with estrogen.
Testosterone and DHEA: Measure androgen production and how it’s converted into active or inactive forms.
Melatonin: Provides insight into sleep and circadian rhythm regulation.

Does the DUTCH test measure thyroid hormones?
No — the DUTCH test does not measure thyroid hormones directly. However, it can reveal patterns that correlate with thyroid dysfunction, such as sluggish metabolism or altered cortisol rhythms.

Does the DUTCH test measure cortisol?
Yes. Cortisol is one of the primary focuses of the DUTCH test, offering both free cortisol and metabolized cortisol readings to assess adrenal health and stress adaptation.

Reference Values for DUTCH Test Interpretation

What Are Reference Values and Why Are They Important?

Reference ranges represent the expected hormone levels found in healthy individuals. They help determine whether your results are low, normal, or high.
Because hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day and menstrual cycle, these ranges account for timing, age, and gender — making them essential for accurate interpretation.

How to Identify Normal, Low, or High Hormone Levels

Normal values suggest balanced hormone production and metabolism.
Low values may indicate adrenal insufficiency, low sex hormone output, or metabolic slowdown.
High values may point to excessive stress, estrogen dominance, or androgen overproduction.

Common Mistakes in Interpreting DUTCH Test Results

Comparing results to general lab tests rather than DUTCH-specific reference ranges.
Overlooking hormone metabolites, which show how efficiently your body processes hormones.
Ignoring the importance of timing, cycle phase, or medications that can skew results.

Always interpret results in context — hormone patterns tell a story that isolated numbers cannot.

Interpreting DUTCH Test Results for Main Hormone Groups

While the DUTCH panel measures dozens of markers, here’s how to interpret some of the most important ones.

DUTCH Test Interpretation for Adrenal Hormones

Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. It follows a daily rhythm — high in the morning, tapering off by evening.
Abnormal patterns may reveal:

Low cortisol: Fatigue, burnout, brain fog, or poor stress tolerance.
High cortisol: Anxiety, insomnia, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), and immune suppression.

Cortisone levels provide additional insight into how quickly your body converts and clears cortisol — offering a deeper look at adrenal resilience and recovery.

DUTCH Hormone Test Interpretation for Sex Hormones

Estrogen

High levels or poor estrogen clearance can lead to estrogen dominance, often linked to weight gain, mood swings, and menstrual irregularities.
Low estrogen can contribute to hot flashes, low libido, or vaginal dryness.

Progesterone

Low progesterone may cause symptoms like anxiety, poor sleep, and irregular cycles.
A healthy estrogen-to-progesterone ratio supports stable moods and regular ovulation.

Testosterone

Low testosterone: Can cause fatigue, low libido, and reduced muscle mass.
High testosterone: May lead to acne, hair thinning, or signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Always Seek Medical Advice for Accurate DUTCH Test Results

Hormones interact in complex ways — a single high or low reading rarely tells the full story.
Self-diagnosing or attempting to “balance hormones” without guidance can make symptoms worse.

A licensed healthcare provider can:

Interpret results within the context of your full health history.
Identify patterns between adrenal and sex hormone function.
Recommend safe, evidence-based therapies such as lifestyle adjustments, supplements, or bioidentical hormone replacement (if appropriate).

Join Heally to Get Your DUTCH Test Results Explained

At Heally, our integrative healthcare providers specialize in hormone health and functional medicine. They can help you understand your DUTCH test results, uncover the root cause of imbalances, and build a personalized plan that supports long-term wellness — naturally.

Heally makes it simple to:

Upload your DUTCH test results.
Connect with a licensed provider online.
Receive personalized insights and treatment guidance.

You don’t have to interpret your DUTCH test alone — Heally helps turn your results into actionable steps for better hormone health. Schedule a free consultation today to connect with one of Heally’s licensed healthcare professional that can interpret your DUTCH test results.

Conclusion

The DUTCH test offers a powerful window into your hormonal health, helping identify imbalances that affect energy, mood, and overall well-being.
By understanding what each marker means — and consulting with an experienced healthcare provider — you can take the guesswork out of hormone balance and create a plan that truly supports your body.

With Heally, you can access personalized care and expert DUTCH test interpretation, empowering you to take control of your hormonal health with clarity and confidence. Schedule a free consultation today to connect with one of Heally’s licensed healthcare professional that can interpret your DUTCH test results.