DUTCH Complete Hormone Test: At-Home Testing Guide
The DUTCH Complete Hormone Test uses at-home dried urine collection to measure reproductive hormones, hormone metabolites, and daily cortisol patterns. This guide explains what the test measures, how collection works, and how to approach your results.
Evenbetternow offers DUTCH testing by Precision Analytical, along with optional professional consultations to help clients understand their laboratory findings.
Explore the DUTCH Complete Hormone Test
What Is the DUTCH Complete Hormone Test?
DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. Developed by Precision Analytical, DUTCH Complete uses samples collected at several times to examine urinary hormone metabolites and patterns of free cortisol and cortisone throughout the day.
A single blood draw measures hormone concentrations at a particular moment. DUTCH Complete examines different measurements using dried urine collected at designated times. Its findings may be considered alongside symptoms, medical history, medications, and conventional laboratory results; it does not replace every conventional hormone test.
What Does DUTCH Complete Measure?
Estrogens and Estrogen Metabolism
The panel evaluates estrogen-related markers, including:
- Estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3)
- 2-hydroxy, 4-hydroxy, and 16-hydroxy estrogen metabolites
- Methoxy estrogen metabolites
These measurements provide information about estrogen metabolism and the relative distribution of certain metabolic pathways. Estrogen metabolite patterns alone cannot diagnose estrogen-related disease or determine an individual's cancer risk.
Progesterone Metabolites
DUTCH Complete measures urinary progesterone metabolites, including alpha-pregnanediol and beta-pregnanediol. Results must be interpreted in the context of menstrual-cycle timing, menopausal status, and hormone use.
Androgens and Their Metabolites
The panel includes measurements related to testosterone, DHEA-S, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and additional androgen metabolites. These markers provide information about androgen metabolism but are not substitutes for every conventional test used to diagnose androgen disorders.
Cortisol and Cortisone Patterns
Cortisol levels normally vary throughout the day in a rhythm associated with sleep and waking. DUTCH Complete measures:
- Free cortisol at multiple collection times
- Free cortisone patterns
- Metabolized cortisol
- Cortisol-related metabolic pathways
The test is not a standalone diagnostic test for adrenal insufficiency, Cushing syndrome, or so-called “adrenal fatigue.” Suspected endocrine disorders require appropriate medical evaluation.
Selected Organic Acid and Related Markers
DUTCH Complete also includes selected markers associated with vitamin B6 and B12 metabolism, glutathione-related pathways, oxidative stress, melatonin, certain neurotransmitter metabolites, and selected gut-related metabolic processes.
These measurements offer additional biochemical context. They do not independently diagnose nutrient deficiencies, neurological conditions, or gut disorders, and they are not equivalent to a comprehensive Organic Acids Test.
Who Might Consider DUTCH Complete?
DUTCH Complete may be considered when an individual and their healthcare professional want more detailed information about hormone metabolism or daily cortisol patterns. Topics that may prompt a discussion include menstrual-cycle concerns, perimenopause or menopause, reproductive health, and monitoring certain hormone therapies.
Fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and weight changes can have many possible causes and should not automatically be attributed to hormonal imbalance. Conventional testing or clinical assessment may be the more appropriate first step. Perimenopause can often be assessed from symptoms, age, and menstrual history without hormone testing.
Choose testing with a qualified healthcare professional based on the clinical question and whether the findings are likely to influence care.
How Does At-Home DUTCH Complete Testing Work?
- Order your test. Select the DUTCH Complete Hormone Test through Evenbetternow.
- Receive your collection kit. Your kit is arranged through our laboratory partners and includes collection materials and instructions.
- Collect your samples. DUTCH Complete generally uses four dried urine collections at designated times. Certain circumstances may require an additional collection.
- Return your samples. Let the collection strips dry and return them according to the instructions supplied with your kit.
- Receive your results. Once laboratory analysis is complete, results are made available through our secure client portal.
- Consider an optional consultation. Consultations are available for clients who would like assistance reviewing their laboratory findings.
Collection timing may depend on menstrual-cycle status, sleep schedule, medications, and hormone therapy. Follow the instructions provided with your specific kit and consult your prescribing clinician before changing medications.
DUTCH Complete vs. DUTCH Sex Hormone Metabolites
Evenbetternow offers two options with different testing scopes:
DUTCH Complete
The broader panel combines estrogen, progesterone, and androgen-related measurements with daily cortisol and cortisone patterns, cortisol metabolites, selected organic acid markers, and a melatonin marker. It uses at-home dried urine collection.
DUTCH Sex Hormone Metabolites
This panel focuses on estrogen, progesterone, and androgen-related measurements using at-home dried urine collection. It does not include the additional daily cortisol and cortisone patterns, cortisol metabolites, organic acid testing, or melatonin marker included in DUTCH Complete.
View DUTCH Sex Hormone Metabolites
Neither test is automatically necessary for every person experiencing hormone-related symptoms. The appropriate panel depends on individual circumstances and the question being investigated.
DUTCH Complete vs. Organic Acids Testing (OAT)
DUTCH Complete primarily focuses on reproductive hormones, hormone metabolism, and cortisol patterns. Although it includes selected organic acid markers, it is not the same as a comprehensive Organic Acids Test.
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) evaluates a broader range of urinary metabolic byproducts associated with processes such as energy metabolism and certain nutrient-related pathways. These tests answer different questions and are not interchangeable.
Read DUTCH vs. OAT: What Each Test Measures & How to Choose
Understanding Your DUTCH Test Results
A DUTCH report may contain graphs, hormone measurements, metabolic ratios, and reference intervals. Interpretation should take into account:
- Age and sex
- Menstrual-cycle timing and menopausal status
- Hormone medications and supplements
- Sleep and collection timing
- Symptoms and medical history
- Other relevant laboratory findings
A measurement outside a reference interval does not necessarily indicate a medical disorder, and a result within range does not rule one out.
Research supports the analytical reliability of dried urine collection for various hormone measurements. Reliable measurement does not automatically establish that every reported marker improves diagnosis or treatment decisions. This distinction matters when deciding how to use results.
Optional Functional Test Consultations
Evenbetternow offers optional 30-minute and 60-minute functional test consultations, depending on the selected service. A consultation can include:
- Review of laboratory findings
- Discussion of relevant hormone and metabolic patterns
- Consideration of health history and wellness goals
- Educational discussion of possible next steps
- A written follow-up summary after the consultation
Evenbetternow does not offer a standalone written DUTCH interpretation service. A follow-up summary is provided as part of an eligible consultation. Functional test consultations are educational and do not replace medical diagnosis, treatment, or evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUTCH Complete
Is DUTCH Complete a blood test?
No. DUTCH Complete uses dried urine samples collected at home.
Does DUTCH Complete measure cortisol?
Yes. It evaluates free cortisol and cortisone patterns across several collection times, along with cortisol metabolites.
Can DUTCH Complete diagnose a hormone imbalance?
The test measures hormones and metabolites, but the report alone cannot establish a diagnosis. Results require appropriate clinical interpretation.
Is DUTCH testing necessary during menopause?
Not routinely. Menopause and perimenopause can often be assessed clinically. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not recommend routine hormone testing before starting treatment for typical menopausal symptoms.
Can DUTCH Complete replace thyroid testing?
No. DUTCH Complete is not a substitute for conventional thyroid function testing.
Does DUTCH Complete include a full Organic Acids Test?
No. It includes selected organic acid and related markers, whereas a comprehensive OAT evaluates a substantially broader metabolic panel.
How long does testing take?
Laboratory turnaround is generally estimated at approximately one to two weeks after the laboratory receives completed samples. Processing and shipping times may vary.
Can I review my results with a practitioner?
Yes. Evenbetternow offers optional functional test consultations with follow-up summaries.
Explore DUTCH Testing with Evenbetternow
Understanding the purpose and limitations of each test is an important first step. Explore the available testing options and discuss which measurements are appropriate for your circumstances with a qualified healthcare professional.
Explore DUTCH Complete Hormone Test
Explore DUTCH Sex Hormone Metabolites
Sources and References
- Precision Analytical. DUTCH Report Enhancements.
- Precision Analytical. Updates to the DUTCH Report (2025).
- Precision Analytical. DUTCH Sex Hormone Metabolites.
- Newman MS, Curran DA, Mayfield BP. Dried urine and salivary profiling for complete assessment of cortisol and cortisol metabolites. Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology. 2020.
- Precision Analytical. Reliability of a Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Assessment of Urine Hormones and Metabolites.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Do I Need to Have Testing of My Hormone Levels During Perimenopause? (2025).
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Should I Have Hormone Testing Before Starting Hormone Therapy? (2025).
Educational disclaimer: This content is provided for general educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Functional laboratory testing should be considered in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Testing availability and restrictions may vary by state.