Is Hormone Testing Worth It

What Is The Dutch Test

The DUTCH test allegedly measures hormone levels to determine which ones need to be fixed. Its used as a diagnostic test by some medical doctors, and by alternative health providers and some registered dietitians.

DUTCH is an acronym for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones.

Precision Analytics claims that Millions of women suffer from hormonal imbalances. Whether it is menopause, weight gain, fatigue, low libido, premenstrual symptoms , mood swings, or depression, these symptoms can lead to more serious problems if misdiagnosed. Identifying the root cause of chronic health issues is certainly correctable, but only if properly identified.

Every time I see the words root cause, its a red flag.

This is a popular phrase used by a lot of alternative providers to suggest that unlike conventional providers, they find whats causing symptoms, instead of just treating them with medication.

Nothing could be further from the truth. To suggest that conventional medicine is only interested in prescribing drugs and not treating the cause of illness, is completely egregious in my opinion, and it creates an us vs them mentality that hurts, not helps, patients.

In their rebuttal, Precision Analytics implied that conventional docs dont understand the value in the markers that DUTCH provides, because they havent been trained on them:

Who Is This Test For

Testing may not be for you, but if any of these apply to you, then you might want to consider it

• You’re doing everything right, but still not feeling your best
• Your doctor has told you everything is normal’
• You want to get to the root cause, not just manage your symptoms
• You would like to be optimal’ not just normal’
• You need a personalised programme that is right for you
• You’re prepared to invest in your health not just for now, but for the future

And this last one is important. Testing isnt cheap, its all done privately. But suffering symptoms and missing out on being your best is probably costing you more. When youre prepared to invest in your health and happiness, it can bring huge rewards.

If youd like more information on our testing and 1-1 support, then do Contact Us and we’ll be in touch.

image courtesy of www.michelestanford.com

Why We Prescribe Hormone Therapy Without Blood Tests

Weâre frequently asked why we donât require patients to have their hormone levels checked before prescribing and during treatment with hormones for menopausal symptoms.

The answer is simple: Hormone testing is unnecessary for individuals aiming to use hormones for symptom relief. This is because we are not treating hormone levels. We are treating the symptoms of menopause.

An âoptimalâ hormone level for menopausal individuals has not been defined. According to the North American Menopause Society, determining the dosages of menopausal hormone therapy based on blood or salivary hormone testing is meaningless for midlife individuals because these levels vary from day to day and even from hour to hour. Since hormones are prescribed to target symptoms, the efficacy of these treatments depends on communicating with your medical provider to find the right dosage.

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What Is Metabolic Testing

Metabolic testing involves a number of different tests. Each test provides information about a key element of your metabolism. These elements include:

• Resting metabolic rate . Testing this aspect of your metabolism provides information about the estimated number of calories you burn when your body is at rest youre not exercising or moving.
• Maximum volume of oxygen . This test element provides information about your bodys ability to use oxygen effectively during exercise.
• Lactate threshold test. Your lactate threshold is the point at which lactic acid builds up in the blood more quickly than it can be removed during exercise, causing muscle fatigue. If youre an athlete whos interested in improving performance, you may find this metabolic test element beneficial.

Hormonal Imbalance In Children: Does It Exist

Yes. Hormonal imbalances in children typically occur around puberty. This is when the sex hormones are first produced, signaling future growth in the body. Children whose bodies produce few or no sex hormones often have a condition known as hypogonadism.

In boys, hypogonadism stops the body from producing the muscle mass, body hair, and voice changes that are associated with puberty. The sex organs dont develop as they should, and the arms and legs will experience an excessive amount of growth compared to the trunk. Boys may also develop breast tissue. When girls have hypogonadism, they dont develop breast tissue, start their menstrual cycle, or experience the growth spurt thats typical of puberty.

Hypogonadism can occur either because the gonads are not producing the right hormone levels or, because the pituitary gland and hypothalamus arent signaling to the gonads to produce hormones at all. Though hypogonadism is a common cause of developmental and growth problems, there are other causes that may be causative. Always speak with your healthcare provider to gt the proper diagnosis of any abnormal development in children.

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Getting To Know Your Body

Our bodies are shifting, changing, growing and transforming all the time.

One month you might have the cycle from heaven, and the next you might feel like hell has arrived on earth.

Ultimately, testing your hormone levels is a good idea almost any time you want to understand your body and the chemicals that are driving your wellness in more depth.

Getting to know your body can help you to figure out `which of the zillions of diet and lifestyle trends buzzing around the gram are right for you.

Where Should I Get A Hormone Balance Test And Other Faqs About Hormone Testing

You should get your hormones tested!

How many times have you heard that comment? Were often encouraged to look closely at our hormones when weexperience symptoms that hint at conditions like hypothyroidism, menopause, or low testosterone. Indeed,

• Sleep disturbances

are all common symptoms of hormonal changes or imbalances in your bodys endocrine system. But, even if you know that a hormone test might be a good idea, you may not know what it entails, or where to get one.

Hormone testing is a very simple process. Its quick, easy, highly accessible, and can reveal critical information about your health. But, hormone testing can only work if you know which tests to get and what the results mean. By exploring the basics of hormone testing, you can ensure you get the information and the support you need.

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Honestly I Feel Like Its A Red Flag When A Practitioner Sells Unvalidated Unsupported Tests Like Igg Or Leap Food Sensitivity Mthfr Stool Microbiome And Dutch Its Even More Of A Red Flag When They Use Your Results From Those Tests To Sell Their Own Brand Of Supplements Or Special Diet To Correct Your Condition

If DUTCH testing was so insightful, it would be used by all practitioners. But its not. Maybe in the future, it will be, but for now, the providers who Ive spoken to do not believe it to be indicated for hormone testing.

What if you still want to get a DUTCH test after reading this DUTCH test review? DUTCH tests arent harmful , so if you want to try it, go right ahead. But its not necessary or indicated to diagnose or treat hormone issues.

What Causes A Hormonal Imbalance

The causes of hormonal imbalances vary according to the specific hormone involved. However, in general, they are due to changes or dysfunctions of a hormone-producing gland. For instance, a thyroid gland that isnt functioning correctly may produce too much thyroid hormone, accelerating your bodys metabolism or could produce too little. Thyroid dysfunction can be caused by autoimmune diseases, thyroid nodules, medications or, rarely, thyroid cancer, among other potential causes. Imbalances in male or female sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, can be caused by age-related changes, such as menopause and andropause, as well as genetic disorders, stress, nutritional issues, or medications. Excessive stress, poor diet, aging and certain medications can contribute to imbalances in cortisol and other adrenal hormones.

There are many different underlying causes that can result in a hormonal imbalance. Each cause relates to different glands and hormones and, does impact your body differently. Many diseases and other conditions can result in a hormonal imbalance.

Diabetes

Diabetes is characterized by an inability to properly use the insulin hormone. An insulin imbalance can lead to other related hormonal imbalances as well such as disrupting estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, progesterone, and cortisol.

Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Cushing Syndrome

Addisons Disease

Turner Syndrome

Prader-Willi Syndrome

Pancreatitis

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Hormonal Imbalance And Women

Female hormones are powerful chemical messengers that regulate the reproductive system and influence many other vital systems. When they are present in the body in the proper amounts and ratios, they work in concert with one another to promote optimal health and well-being. However, when female hormonal imbalance becomes an issue, the consequences can manifest themselves throughout the body, taking a toll on a womans health and quality-of-life. When the condition is accurately identified and treated, the balance of female hormones can be corrected, reducing the symptoms and health risks associated with hormonal imbalance.

Ways To Save Money On Everlywell Tests

Everlywells tests are already competitively priced, but there is almost always a way to receive an extra discount:

• Use our code INNERBODY15 for 15% off your purchase.
• You may be eligible for reimbursement with your HSA/FSA benefits.
• Sign up for a Current or Control membership.
• Receive a coupon for 25% off your next purchase of $99+ you buy).
• Occasionally there are flash sales and pop-up promotions on the site, like Spin and Win to earn savings, a free test, or a mystery gift.
• Sign up for their emails to get 10% off.

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Who Should Get The Dutch Test

• If you are dealing with PMS, problematic and painful periods or irregular cycles

• If you are struggling with hormonal acne or headaches

• If youâve been dealing with low energy, mood swings, anxiety, irritability and just a general feeling of being off and not feeling like yourself – this test will help pinpoint what is going on so we can make targeted changes to your diet and lifestyle.

• If you feel wired but tired or burnt out and are having issues with your sleep.

• If you are trying to conceive

• If you are in perimenopause and looking for support in minimizing your symptoms.

• If you are struggling with weight loss & weight gain or have stubborn weight that isn’t shifting no matter what you try.

• Have PCOS or other symptoms that you need to get support with.

The DUTCH complete test for hormones will help pinpoint what is going on in your body so that a personalized wellness plan can be created to address any hormone imbalances that may be impacting the way you feel. In each wellness plan supplements, dietary changes and lifestyle recommendations help to address the root cause of the hormone imbalance.

Does Insurance Cover The Costs

Most testing companies do not accept direct billing from health insurance providers.

Before buying a test, it may be a good idea to check whether the insurance company will reimburse the cost. If so, a person can forward an invoice from the lab to their insurer with their claim for reimbursement.

Some companies may also accept payments from flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts.

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Treatment For A Hormonal Imbalance

There are many different treatment options for hormonal imbalances. The treatment you ultimately be given will depend on which hormone exactly is unbalance as well as the underlying cause of the imbalance. Sometimes, a life event might cause such a fluctuation in your hormones, such as menopause. In that case, your treatment would be short term one. However, if you have a genetic disorder that causes a lifelong hormonal imbalance, you will need to pursue a more prolonged course of medications.

Hormone therapy is a common treatment for hormonal imbalances. Women who are witnessing uncomfortable menopausal symptoms may choose estrogen therapy. Testosterone therapy is a common choice for men with low testosterone levels or adolescents facing delayed puberty. Taking thyroid hormones can help individuals with hypothyroidism. Such hormone replacement therapies may come in the form of pills, patches, or even injections. Your doctor will help you choose the appropriate dosage by checking your hormone levels test results. This is how he will determine the right amount of supplemented hormone you will need to recreate the balance.

Bioidentical hormones can be produced by pharmaceutical companies using different doses. Examples include bi-estrogen which is 50 to 80 percent estriol combined with estradiol, or tri-estrogen which is 10 percent estrone, 10 percent estradiol, and 80 percent estriol.

Best Basic Hormone Test For Males: Everlywell Mens Health Test

• Price: around $249 for a one-time purchase, $186211 for regular deliveries
• Type: saliva sample
• Hormones tested: free testosterone, DHEA-S, cortisol, estradiol
• Sends results in: 57 business days

This test looks at four hormones associated with general health in males, including DHEA-S. This hormone plays an important role in producing testosterone and estrogen and supports the development of male sexual characteristics.

The other three hormones that the test checks for are:

• free testosterone

The kit requires a person to give a saliva sample.

Doctors who are board certified in a persons state review the results, and a person can see their results online within a few days.

Customers also receive detailed information about what the results may indicate and other personalized information.

Everlywell states it only works with labs that have been certified at the state and federal levels.

This Everlywell Mens Health Test costs $199 for a one-off purchase.

However, the following subscription options are available, offering discounts for the tests:

• quarterly: $159
• semi-annually: $169

The positive aspects of this test include its accessibility and discrete packaging. Online reviewers describe the test as easy to use but note that it is somewhat expensive. Other users mention unclear instructions, lack of customer support, and concerns about poor privacy protection.

• thyroid peroxidase antibodies

The Everlywell Womens Health Test costs $249 for a one-off testing kit.

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Knowledge Is Power And So Many Women Feel Powerless During This Time What Tools Do We Have To Empower Women For Real

Gennev is a wonderful and empowering resource. A NAMS-certified menopause practitioner is also a great resource. Ask your OB/GYN if they are comfortable with menopause care and hormones.

It would be nice to put an end date on menopausal symptoms, but hormone-level testing probably wonât get you any closer to an answer than a discussion with your doctor will.

If youâre ready to better understand where you are in the perimenopause > menopause transition, take Gennevâs Menopause Assessment. You may be surprised to discover some of the issues youâre having are actually related to hormones. Then, take your results to your doctor â or consult with one of our menopause specialists via Gennevâs telehealth.

Symptoms And Potential Complications

Imbalances in female hormones can have far-ranging effects on the body, producing a variety of physical, emotional and cognitive changes. These changes can cause symptoms that may include:

• Menstrual cycle changes, including shorter or longer times between periods, and periods that are longer, shorter, heavier or lighter than normal.
• Hot flashes and night sweats.
• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances
• Diminished sex drive
• Unexplained weight gain, especially in the abdominal area, hips and thighs
• Skin changes, such as thinning, dryness and wrinkling
• Dry, brittle hair

Female hormone imbalance can increase a womans risk of a number of diseases and health problems. Among the most serious of these is heart disease, with risk increasing as estrogen levels decrease. Women with hormonal imbalances are also at greater risk for osteoporosis, since low levels of estrogens can interfere with the absorption of calcium and other nutrients essential to the maintenance of bone health and density.

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How Do Hormone Tests Work

The simplicity of at-home hormone tests makes them an easy, effective option. After ordering your test, a box will arrive with thorough instructions to collect testing samples.

Depending on the test selected, youll be asked to take a urine sample or blood sample using a finger pricking tool.

Once you finish your test, youll ship your results to a lab for review. Results are typically provided online between 2 and 5 business days after the samples reach the lab.

What Do The Numbers Mean

A woman reported her numbers as âEstrodial: 8.2, Estrone: 23.3, Total Estrogens: 31.5â â what does that tell her or her doc?

Dr. Rebecca: Not much at all. What day of her cycle is she on? What is her FSH? When did she last have a period? What medications is she taking? I can’t interpret these tests without all that information.

Additionally, while there is a range of m=normal estradiol levels for women, they vary over the cycle, and between women. If the patient has symptoms, we should be treating her if she doesn’t, then there is no need to treat, no matter what the values are. Also, just estradiol is needed, that is the active hormone testing the rest doesn’t add any information . There are much better menopause tests for diagnosis available.

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Your Alternatives And How Everlywell Stacks Up

Home health testing has become increasingly common and reliable, and we have evaluated many other companies offering comparable tests and services to Everlywell. Below is a summary of alternatives you might want to consider. We consider Everlywell a general standout, but there are situations when one of its competitors may be more deserving of your business.