What it is
The DUTCH Adrenal Test is an easy, at home dried urine test that measures cortisol, cortisone, cortisol metabolites and DHEA-S. It can help you understand your stress hormone pattern and how your stress response may be affecting your health.
How it helps
Stress, cortisol and the HPA axis
Stress can be measured by the hormone cortisol, which is produced and managed by the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, or HPA axis. Some stress is necessary, as cortisol helps us get up in the morning, but problems can arise when we have more stress than our body can handle.
This is often described as adrenal fatigue, or more accurately HPA axis dysregulation, and can leave you feeling tired, wired and exhausted. Symptoms commonly associated with adrenal fatigue include insomnia, tiredness, body aches, unexplained weight loss, brain fog, low libido, salt cravings and low stress tolerance.
Knowing whether your cortisol is high or low is only part of the picture. An important part of the process is understanding why it is happening and what you can do about it.
Why the DUTCH Adrenal Test
This test checks both cortisol and DHEA for a more comprehensive snapshot of your stress response system. Unlike many adrenal tests, it measures cortisol metabolites as well as cortisol, using an improved marker for total cortisol production.
Benefits
- Can help you understand your stress hormone pattern across the day
- Measures cortisol, cortisone, cortisol metabolites and DHEA-S
- Simple dried urine samples collected at home
- Useful for anyone concerned about their stress response or HPA axis function
Important information
- Collection method: dried urine
- Samples: four or five dried urine samples taken over two days
- Turnaround time: four weeks from sample receipt at the laboratory (USA)
- The price includes DHL home collection and shipping to the USA, where samples are analysed by Precision Analytical. Shipping may take four to five working days.
- This test is available through our practice.
Steps
- Read the instructions carefully before collecting samples
- Limit liquid, following the fluid guidelines in the instructions
- Collect samples over two days, on specific days of your cycle if appropriate
- Wash and dry your hands before touching a collection card
- Complete the personal information form and questionnaire
- Complete all information on the urine collection cards
- Return samples by DHL as soon as possible
View instructions
Download sample report
View posting instructions
Test markers
Daily free cortisol and cortisone: Cortisol A, B, C and D; Cortisone A, B, C and D; 24hr free cortisol; 24hr free cortisone
Cortisol metabolites and DHEA-S: a-Tetrahydrocortisol; b-Tetrahydrocortisol; b-Tetrahydrocortisone; Metabolised Cortisol; DHEA-S
Creatinine: Creatinine A, B, C and D
Laboratory: Nordic Laboratories
Nordic Laboratories is a European laboratory test distributor based in Copenhagen, providing a wide range of tests with the goal of incorporating a functional medicine approach into modern medicine.
Disclaimer
Our products and services do not diagnose, treat or cure any illness or disease, and do not replace medical advice from your doctor or practitioner. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. Information on this website is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking prescribed medication or have a medical condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement.