WOMEN'S HEALTH...A
DUTCH test examines
hormone metabolites and provides targeted insights into where your particular imbalances arise. This gives us clues to correctly target the specific metabolism pathways involved.
Comprehensive
blood spot/serum sex hormone panel includes: Different types of estrogen (estrone, estradiol, estriol), total and free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA-sulfate, prolactin
Because thyroid plays a crucial role in sex hormones and also in fertility, a
full thyroid panel is often assessed.
A
diurnal cortisol pattern is often recommended because cortisol is a vital hormone that regulates key physiological functions, such as metabolism, immune responses, and stress adaptation. Stress-induced cortisol spikes can cause issues like irregular menstrual cycles, disrupted ovulation, and, in extreme cases, amenorrhea (absence of periods) in women.
Best Testing Methods for Different Types of Hormone Deliveries:Choosing the right testing method for your hormones is crucial for effective supplementation. If you use the wrong method, the test results might not show how well your body is absorbing the supplemented hormone. This can lead to incorrect dosing.
- Serum: This method can't tell the difference between hormones that are free and those that are attached to proteins. Hormones need to go through some changes to work properly, and only the free ones can enter cells and do their job. This method IS NOT often used for checking topical hormone supplementation. However, it can provide a comprehensive overview of the body's hormone concentrations and imbalances.
- Blood Spot: This method is highly suitable for a WIDE RANGE OF HORMONE DELIVERY routes, including oral, topical, and sublingual administration. It involves the assessment of hormones using a small blood sample obtained from a finger prick. Additionally, it offers the advantage of effectively evaluating parameters such as vitamins, thyroid hormones, and other relevant biomarkers. Its practicality is particularly noteworthy in situations where easy access to a laboratory setting is limited.
- Saliva: This method is great for checking sex and adrenal hormones (such as diurnal cortisol pattern). It is good for TOPICAL and ORAL hormone administration, but NOT for sublingual/troche options.
- Urine: Accurate for assessing hormone metabolism (how your body get hormones out of the body).
Bioidentical hormones, structurally similar to the body's natural hormones, are preferred over synthetic hormones due to their compatibility, individualization, and extensive research backing their safety and effectiveness. Bioidentical hormones can be customized to match a person's unique hormonal needs, and studies suggest a reduced likelihood of certain adverse effects compared to some synthetic options.