Precision Analytical Laboratory – DUTCH Test Interpretation Guide
How to Read and Understand DUTCH Hormone Test Results
Written by: B. Dame
Updated on: January 29, 2026
The DUTCH® Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) by Precision Analytical is one of the most advanced tools available for evaluating hormone production, metabolism, and daily hormone patterns. This DUTCH test interpretation guide explains what the test measures, how to understand your results, and why DUTCH testing provides insights that traditional blood and saliva tests often miss.
If you’ve received a DUTCH report and are wondering what your results actually mean, this guide will help you interpret them clearly and confidently.
What Is the DUTCH Test?
The DUTCH test is an advanced hormone assessment that analyzes dried urine samples collected at specific times throughout the day. Using highly sensitive laboratory methods, it evaluates both hormone levels and hormone metabolites, offering a more complete picture of endocrine function than single-timepoint blood tests.
The DUTCH test is widely used in functional and integrative medicine to assess:
-
Sex hormones and their metabolic pathways
-
Adrenal hormones and stress response patterns
-
Circadian rhythm and melatonin production
-
Hormone detoxification and clearance
Because hormones fluctuate throughout the day and across the menstrual cycle, the DUTCH test captures patterns, not just isolated values.
What Does the DUTCH Test Measure?
The DUTCH test evaluates a broad range of hormones and related markers, including:
Sex Hormones
-
Estrogens (estrone E1, estradiol E2, estriol E3)
-
Progesterone
-
Androgens (testosterone, DHEA-S and metabolites)
Adrenal and Stress Hormones
-
Cortisol (free cortisol and metabolites)
-
Cortisone
-
Diurnal cortisol rhythm
Sleep and Circadian Markers
-
Melatonin and melatonin metabolites
Hormone Metabolites and Detox Pathways
-
Estrogen metabolism (2-OH, 4-OH, 16-OH pathways)
-
Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification patterns
Additional Functional Markers (DUTCH Plus / OATs)
-
Organic acids
-
Neurotransmitter metabolites
-
Oxidative stress markers (e.g., 8-OHdG)
How to Interpret DUTCH Test Results
DUTCH results are designed to be interpreted in patterns, not in isolation. A single hormone value rarely tells the full story.
Key Interpretation Principles
-
Hormone production and metabolism both matter
Normal hormone levels with poor metabolism may still cause symptoms. -
Timing matters
Cortisol and melatonin patterns across the day often reveal more than absolute levels. -
Metabolites explain symptoms
Hormone metabolites help explain why symptoms occur even when standard labs appear “normal.” -
Context is critical
Results should be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, and current therapies.
What High or Low DUTCH Hormone Results May Mean
Estrogen Patterns
-
High estrogen may relate to estrogen dominance, impaired detoxification, or excessive conversion pathways.
-
Low estrogen may contribute to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, or bone loss.
Progesterone
-
Low progesterone is common in perimenopause and may contribute to anxiety, insomnia, and irregular cycles.
Cortisol Patterns
-
High cortisol may reflect chronic stress or inflammation.
-
Low or flattened cortisol curves may suggest adrenal dysregulation or burnout.
Androgens (DHEA, Testosterone)
-
Elevated androgens may be seen in PCOS, acne, or hair loss.
-
Low androgens may contribute to fatigue, low libido, and reduced muscle mass.
Estrogen Metabolites
-
Unfavorable metabolite ratios may indicate increased inflammatory or proliferative risk and reduced detox efficiency.
DUTCH Test vs Blood and Saliva Hormone Testing
Why DUTCH Is Different
-
Measures both hormones and metabolites
-
Captures daily cortisol rhythm
-
Reflects total hormone output, not just circulating levels
-
Non-invasive, at-home collection
When Blood Tests Still Matter
Blood testing may still be useful for:
-
Acute conditions
-
Thyroid testing
-
Baseline screening
Many clinicians use DUTCH and blood tests together for a more complete assessment.
Who Can Benefit from DUTCH Testing?
Hormone Imbalances and Chronic Symptoms
DUTCH testing may be helpful for individuals experiencing:
-
Fatigue and burnout
-
Anxiety or depression
-
Weight changes
-
Sleep disturbances
Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy
DUTCH testing is widely used to:
-
Monitor bioidentical hormone therapy
-
Differentiate pre- vs post-menopausal hormone patterns
-
Evaluate estrogen metabolism during HRT
Fertility and Reproductive Health
Includes DUTCH Cycle Mapping, which tracks hormone changes across the menstrual cycle and is helpful for:
-
Irregular cycles
-
PCOS
-
Infertility
-
Perimenopause
Male Hormone Health
DUTCH testing can assess androgen metabolism related to:
-
Low libido
-
Erectile dysfunction
-
Hair loss
-
Prostate health
Understanding Hormone Metabolites
Hormone metabolites reveal how your body processes hormones, not just how much you produce.
For example:
-
Estrogen metabolites show whether estrogen is cleared efficiently or recirculated.
-
Cortisol metabolites reflect total stress hormone output.
-
Melatonin metabolites help assess circadian rhythm and sleep quality.
This metabolic insight is one of the DUTCH test’s greatest strengths.
How to Get Started with DUTCH Testing
Ordering the Test
The DUTCH test can be ordered through a healthcare provider or directly from Precision Analytical, depending on location and practitioner involvement.
Collecting Samples at Home
-
Samples are collected on filter paper at specific times
-
Instructions are included in the kit
-
Dried urine samples remain stable for shipping
Receiving and Reviewing Results
Results are typically available within 7–10 business days after the lab receives the samples. Reports include visual graphs and reference ranges to aid interpretation.
How HealthMatters.io Helps You Interpret DUTCH Results
HealthMatters.io bridges the gap between lab data and real understanding by allowing you to:
-
Upload your DUTCH report
-
Get plain-language explanations of every marker
-
Understand high and low results
-
Track hormone trends over time
-
Share organized insights with your practitioner
This helps you turn complex hormone data into actionable knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DUTCH test accurate?
Yes. The DUTCH test uses validated laboratory methods and is widely trusted by clinicians for hormone assessment.
Can DUTCH diagnose hormone imbalance?
DUTCH provides strong diagnostic insight but should be interpreted alongside symptoms and clinical evaluation.
Is DUTCH better than blood testing?
It offers different and often deeper insights. Many clinicians use both together.
Can men use the DUTCH test?
Yes. DUTCH testing is commonly used for male hormone evaluation.
How often should DUTCH testing be repeated?
Often every 3–6 months when monitoring treatment or hormone therapy.
Final Thoughts
The DUTCH test by Precision Analytical offers one of the most comprehensive views of hormone health available today. By evaluating hormone production, metabolism, and daily rhythms, it provides insights that standard testing often misses.
This DUTCH test interpretation guide is designed to help you understand your results clearly, ask better questions, and make more informed decisions about your hormonal health — in collaboration with your healthcare provider.
Show more
Popular test panels by Precision Analytical Laboratory – DUTCH Test Interpretation Guide:
The Androgens and Metabolites section of the DUTCH test by Precision Analytical evaluates how your body produces and processes key sex hormones, particularly DHEA, testosterone, and their metabolites. It focuses on three main areas: Total D
Learn moreIn this section of the DUTCH test, you’ll see your creatinine values from all four urine samples collected throughout the day. Creatinine is measured for one important reason: to correct hormone results for urine dilution. Why C
Learn moreThis section of the DUTCH test evaluates your body’s daily stress hormone patterns by measuring free cortisol, free cortisone, and their metabolites. It answers five key questions: What is the overall free cortisol pattern across the
Learn moreDUTCH (male)
The DUTCH test is a urine steroid hormone test that measures hormones and hormone metabolites from a dried urine sample.
Learn moreEstrogen is a key anabolic hormone, meaning it promotes growth and development in the body. There are three primary forms of estrogen: Estrone (E1) – weaker, but still biologically active Estradiol (E2) – the most potent
Learn moreThe Metabolite Ratios section of the DUTCH test evaluates how your body is processing and detoxifying estrogens. These ratios compare different estrogen metabolites to help identify whether your estrogen metabolism is protective, balanced, or potent
Learn moreThe Neurotransmitter Metabolites section of the DUTCH test measures organic acids that are the breakdown products (metabolites) of important brain chemicals. These markers provide insight into how your body is producing and processing dopamine, nore
Learn moreThe Nutritional Organic Acids section of the DUTCH test measures organic acids in urine that act as functional indicators of nutrient status. When the body is low in certain vitamins, amino acids, or antioxidants at the cellular level, related organ
Learn moreProgesterone is a key reproductive hormone that plays a central role in menstrual cycle health, fertility, and hormonal balance. In women, progesterone is secreted in significant amounts only after ovulation during the luteal phase.
Learn more