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The DUTCH tests
When Is the Best Time to Test Your Hormones?
One frequent question we get from patients at our clinic is about the optimal timing for hormone testing. This can vary depending on several factors, such as whether you have regular menstrual cycles, the length of your cycles, and whether you are approaching menopause.
Here at The Bespoke Clinic, we often use the DUTCH Plus test to provide a comprehensive hormone profile and information about adrenal health. Understanding when to test is crucial to getting accurate and useful results.
The typical menstrual cycle – see image
The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of the period, which also marks day one of the cycle. At this stage, both oestrogen and progesterone levels are quite low. As the cycle progresses, oestrogen levels start to climb, peaking just before ovulation. After the egg is released from the ovary, the corpus luteum forms from the leftover follicle and begins to produce progesterone. This increase in progesterone prepares the body for a potential pregnancy, supporting the uterine lining in case the egg is fertilized. The term progesterone itself hints at its role: PRO-GEST(ation), essential for maintaining a pregnancy. If no fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum breaks down, leading to a drop in both progesterone and oestrogen levels, and the cycle resets with the onset of another period.
Testing During a Regular Cycle
For women with regular monthly cycles, the ideal time to conduct a test is during the mid-luteal phase, roughly 5-7 days post-ovulation. In a typical 28-day cycle, this would correspond to days 19 to 22. This phase is significant because it’s when progesterone levels peak and oestrogen reaches the high point of its luteal plateau. This timing can offer invaluable insights into your menstrual health and hormonal balance.
Here’s a brief overview of what these results might indicate:
- Low Progesterone with Normal or Low Estrogen: This might suggest that ovulation hasn’t occurred.
- Normal Progesterone with Low Estrogen: Ovulation likely occurred, but the lower estrogen levels could affect the quality of the endometrial lining and egg, potentially impacting implantation.
- High Estrogen with Normal Progesterone: Ovulation occurred, but there may be a dominance of estrogen, which can lead to symptoms like migraines, PMS, breast tenderness, and heavier menstrual bleeding.
- Both Hormones Within Normal Range: Ovulation has occurred, indicating a typically healthy cycle.
Adjusting for Different Cycle Lengths
If your cycle is shorter or longer than the standard 28 days, we’ll adjust the testing day accordingly to align with your specific luteal phase. For instance, if you have a 25-day cycle, the collection would likely be between days 16 and 19; for a 35-day cycle, it would be around days 26 to 28.
Peri-Menopausal Women and Irregular Cycles
For those experiencing perimenopause or irregular cycles, using an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) can help determine the best time to collect your sample. Once the OPK indicates that ovulation is imminent, count forward 5-7 days to find your optimal testing window. Alternatively, the DUTCH Cycle Mapping Test might be recommended, where you would provide samples nearly every morning of your cycle. This method allows us to chart the fluctuations of your hormones throughout the month, offering a detailed view of your hormonal health.
Further help?
Choosing the right day for your DUTCH test might seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our clinic on 01916941232 or email clinical@thebespokeclinic.uk for guidance. Our doctor led team is dedicated to supporting your health journey with personalised, expert advice every step of the way.
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