Hormonal imbalances can significantly impact your overall health, manifesting in a range of symptoms, from weight gain and fatigue to impaired cognitive function and sexual problems. Testing for hormone levels represents a pivotal first step in addressing imbalances and restoring your most vibrant quality of life.
At Skinsation OC, we offer the DUTCH test, the most comprehensive and accurate method of measuring hormone levels in both men and women. This test helps pinpoint underlying issues impacting your energy levels, mood, and even weight management. Our team of experienced wellness specialists is committed to personalized care, ensuring you receive a tailored approach to your hormone health.
What It Is: The DUTCH test is a comprehensive evaluation of levels of several essential hormones.
Benefits: Identifies hormone imbalances, supports personalized hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and aids in weight management.
Testing involves analyzing your hormone levels to detect imbalances that may impact your health. At Skinsation OC, we use the DUTCH test, an advanced method using multiple urine or saliva tests collected over a brief period of time (most often, over 24 hours). This method provides a detailed view into your hormone levels as they naturally fluctuate with your sleep and wake cycle. The DUTCH test measures sex hormone levels, the levels of hormones produced by the adrenal glands, melatonin, and free cortisol levels to provide a highly accurate and detailed picture of your hormone levels
The DUTCH test is a non-invasive sample collection—typically a series of saliva or urine samples taken at different times over 24 hours. You can collect these samples yourself at home and then submit them to us to be sent to the lab for analysis. This approach provides the most comprehensive view of your hormone levels and how they fluctuate, so we can identify any imbalances or irregularities.
Once your results are available, our wellness specialists will review them in detail. We will discuss your specific hormone levels, identified imbalances, and potential treatment options. Based on this analysis, we may recommend personalized HRT or adjustments to your lifestyle and nutrition to support optimal hormonal health.
Hormone testing can help identify the cause of a variety of health conditions related to hormonal imbalances, such as:
Hormone testing precisely identifies a hormone imbalance, laying the groundwork for HRT tailored to your body's specific hormone levels. Bringing your hormones back to their normal levels involves supplementing the hormones your body produces with bioidentical hormones, which may be administered through several convenient methods. HRT patients typically experience a range of benefits tied to symptom relief:
Anyone experiencing symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, such as fatigue, mood swings, or weight management challenges may benefit from having their hormonal levels tested. Individuals who are pregnant or have certain medical conditions will consult with their Skinsation OC provider to determine if the DUTCH test is appropriate for them.
Your DUTCH test results provide detailed information about your hormone levels and any identified imbalances. Based on these results, our wellness specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, including HRT, dietary supplements, or targeted lifestyle adjustments. Hormone testing can also be an important first step in designing a weight loss program personalized to you. Effective hormone management can improve energy, mood, and usher in a better quality of life.
The DUTCH test is a comprehensive hormone assessment that analyzes saliva or urine samples to evaluate sex and adrenal hormone levels.
Hormones are a complex messaging system controlling a wide range of bodily functions:
Here's a breakdown of the main glands that produce different types of hormones in the body:
Thyroid Gland: Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), Calcitonin
Parathyroid Glands: Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Adrenal Cortex: Cortisol, Aldosterone Androgens (e.g., DHEA)
Adrenal Medulla: Adrenaline (Epinephrine), Norepinephrine
Pancreas: Insulin, Glucagon, Somatostatin
Anterior Pituitary Gland Growth Hormone (GH), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Prolactin
Posterior Pituitary Gland: Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), Oxytocin
Hypothalamus: Releasing Hormones (e.g., TRH, CRH, GnRH), Inhibiting Hormones
Ovaries: Estrogen, Progesterone, Inhibin
Testes: Testosterone, Inhibin
Pineal Gland: Melatonin
Thymus: Thymosin, Thymopoietin
These glands play critical roles in regulating various physiological processes through the hormones they produce.
For an accurate result, it is important to follow all instructions provided by your specialist, which may include avoiding certain foods or medications before testing.
Your Skinsation specialist will discuss your results and recommend personalized treatment options to address imbalances.
Our comprehensive testing can identify imbalances associated with menopause, providing guidance for a personalized treatment plan.