Why I Use The DUTCH Complete for Comprehensive Hormone Evaluation
The Dutch Complete is a comprehensive hormone panel that I use to assess hormone imbalance in my patients in all stages of reproduction from pre-menopause to postmenopause. It is useful for women who have symptoms of:
- PMS
- Low libido
- Low energy
- Brain fog
- Weight gain
- Lack of motivation
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Hair loss
- Hot flashes
The Dutch Complete is given to patients to take home where they take 5 samples of urine in less than a 24 hour period. The kit provides 5 filter cards to saturate with each urine sample. Once the cards are dry they mail off the kit for processing to the lab. In about 2-3 weeks, I receive the comprehensive report and review with my patients.
This is an exciting time as I am able to create a personalized and unique protocol for each of my patients.
What does the DUTCH Complete measure?
This comprehensive test allows me to assess:
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- DHEA-S
- Testosterone
- Androstenedione Metabolites
- DHT
- Cortisol Metabolites
- Organic Acids
- Estrogen Metabolism (phase 1 and 2)
Two important things to note about this test:
- It allows for proper assessment of progesterone levels by testing progesterone metabolites: b-pregnanediol and a-pregnanediol. Progesterone is not adequately measured in the blood, a method most conventional doctors use. It is helpful to know the the active metabolites of progesterone, one of which crosses into the brain and attaches to GABA receptors helping you sleep and have less anxiety.
- There are 2 metabolites of Androstenedione: etiocholanolone (5b) and Androsterone (5a). If the results of the test show that my patient favors the 5a metabolite then I can expect that she is experiencing “androgenic” symptoms such as coarse hair growth on her face, male pattern hair loss, acne, etc. This is very helpful when considering a PCOS diagnosis.
What is Estrogen Metabolism?
The Dutch test also shows phase 1 and phase 2 of estrogen metabolism. This is important because in phase 1 some patients metabolize estrogen down the protective pathway (2-OH) and others use pathways that may cause DNA damage and their risk for breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer. This is especially important if my patient is treated with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy or considering treatment.
Estrogen is then cleared through a process called methylation in phase 2. If results indicate slow or sluggish methylation she may experience symptoms of breast tenderness, weight gain, irritability, or PMS.
Why is adrenal testing important?
One of the most helpful parts of this test is the Adrenal function test that allows me to assess how her adrenal output of cortisol is playing a role in her symptoms. As we deal with stress through life or as our sex hormones decrease with age our adrenal glands work to fulfill the needs. If not properly supported they can become insufficient in their cortisol output increasing abdominal weight gain, causing blood sugar issues, and fatigue. Sometimes we can even produce more cortisone (inactive form) than cortisol (active form) due to stress.
The DUTCH Complete tests for Organic Acids that assess metabolites for:
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- Dopamine
- Glutathione
- Melatonin
- Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
- Oxidative Stress
These are all helpful in adding to the symptom picture of my patients and can give me further information on how I can support them as their medical provider.
This comprehensive hormone panel allows me to be targeted with my treatments because it shows me adequate and reliable results that I can use to help reduce my patient’s symptoms and balance their hormones properly and effectively.
For more information on DUTCH Complete Tests, please schedule a consultation or give us a call at (760) 542-8898.
Dr. Ashley Alexis is a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor. She graduated from Bastyr University San Diego, a 4-year accredited naturopathic medical school and a leader in science-based natural hormone medicine.
Dr. Alexis has dedicated her life to helping her patients achieve health so that they can enjoy life doing the things that they love.