Who is the DUTCH panel for?
Anyone who:
- wants to best support their energy levels, cognition, mood, libido and fertility
- wants to get the full picture of their hormonal health
- has previously taken functional lab testing without actionable, clear and wants both the data AND tailored insights
Why do you ask for Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measurements?
Because HRV directly and reliably tells us whether your system is mobilized or demobilized (or somewhere inbetween). In other words, it tells us how it is using its resources (crucially, how much investment is being permitted into hormonal production). This speaks to how much of the obstacles found are because the body can’t maintain optimal balance (cellular dysfunction) or won’t maintain optimal balance (central resource management) and means you finally get insights that have a fair chance of actually working for you.
Taking these measurements is simple and requires only a few minutes. Even if you do not have a wearable device (like an Oura ring), this can be easily measured using any smartphone.
How does the DUTCH Hormonal Panel compare to blood testing?
The advantages of blood testing are that you can get results quicker and measure SBHG (sex hormone binding globulin, which binds hormones to limit their activity). The advantage of the DUTCH panel is that there is analysis of both adrenal and steroid hormones, as well as their metabolites (to provide insight on how the hormones are being handled) and some additional non-hormonal markers.
When should menstruating women take this test?
Assuming a 28-day cycle, it is recommended to provide this test between days 19-22. If your cycle is longer or shorter, adjust the collection window accordingly (eg. (e.g., for a 30-day cycle, collect between days 21-24).
What preparation is required for this test?
72 hours prior and during collection: Discontinue oral and sublingual hormones (apart from birth control medications, unless directed by a doctor) unless using the test to assess responses to therapy.
How to return the sample?
Once dry, store samples at room temperature in the provided resealable bag until shipping.