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Preparing for your DUTCH Test 

Using Hormones

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  • DO NOT TAKE oral DHEA 48 hours before, or any oral estrogen

  • Do not take pregnenolone 72 hours before your first collection.

  • Do not skip doses of birth control for this test. 

  • Any other hormones taken at NIGHT (including oral progesterone) should be taken after the bedtime sample.

  • Generally, hormone creams or gels can be taken as usual during the test.

  • All hormones taken in the MORNING should not be taken until after sample #4.

  • If you take glucocorticoids (Prednisone, Dexamethasone, etc.) check with your practitioner.

  • For patches, pellets and injections, collect midway between doses.

  • If you take sublingual hormones (absorbed in the mouth or under the tongue) or if you take oral hydrocortisone (cortisol), please see below for specific video instructions.

Food to Avoid before Testing 

  • Foods: Avoid avocado, bananas and fava beans for 48 hours before collecting as they may elevate the HVA organic acid result; if you do consume, please make a note on your requisition form.

  • Supplements: Some supplements may impact the HVA organic acid result. If you take any of the following, please consult your provider:

    • Tyrosine,

    • L-Dopa,

    • D,L-Phenylalanine (DLPA),

    • Mucuna and Quercetin.

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FAQ about the sample collection

What if I miss a collection?

  • Simply collect the sample as instructed the following day.

  • All samples do not need to be collected in one 24-hour period.

Do I have to take the samples in the order listed?

  • No, they can be collected in a different order.

  • If you wish you may start with sample #3, followed by #4, #1 & #2.

  • If you begin with #3, collect the extra sample if you wake and urinate in the night.

How long can I keep the dried samples before sending them in?

  • While hormone levels are very stable in dried samples, they should be sent back as soon as possible.

  • If you have to wait to send them in, place in freezer (in plastic bag) after drying.

Do I need to stop taking my hormones for this test?

  • This test is built to test patients “on” their hormones.

  • Follow the Hormone Schedule (above).

  • What if my sleep schedule is abnormal (night workers, etc.)?

  • Collect the bedtime sample (#2) before your longest stretch of sleep, the waking sample (#3) after this sleeping period, and sample #4 two hours later. The dinnertime sample (#1) should be collected 4-7 hours before bed.

What if I am unable to urinate at the specific time?

  • Simply drink some fluids and go as soon as you are able.

Is DUTCH testing appropriate for children?

  • The minimum age for testing is 12 years old.

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See Below How to Collect your Samples

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How to collect your samples.

WHAT DAYS OF THE MONTH DO I COLLECT?

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  • Cycling Premenopausal Women Begin collection between days 19 and 22 of a 28-day cycle. For longer cycles, add the number of days you usually go beyond 28 days.

  • In a similar manner, subtract if your cycles are shorter (example: collect days 17-20 for a 26 day cycle).

  • You may collect any day if only ordering the DUTCH Adrenal or DUTCH OATs.

  • For irregular cycles or non-cycling (ablation or uterus removed), watch the irregular cycle collection video in the video library at dutchtest.com/videos for suggestions on collecting.

  • See videos for irregular cycles and click on when to collect my DUTCH for various hormonal stages.

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Men & Non-Cycling or Postmenopausal Women

  • Collect any day

How to Collection your Urine

  • Complete all information on each collection filter paper.

  • Saturate the filter paper by urinating directly on it OR use a clean cup and dip the filter paper. Leave the collection device open to dry for at least 24 hours.

  • Once dry, close each collection device.

  • Place all devices in the resealable plastic bag and return in the provided envelope.

  • Be sure to include the completed requisition form (required).

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When to Collect

While adhering to your most common wake/sleep schedule, collect as close as possible to the below timeline.

 

Preparation from lunchtime

  • No Alcohol, Caffeine or Large Fluid Intake after lunch before collecting the dinner sample.

  • Do not drink fluids for two hours before collecting samples

  • Watch Your Water/Fluid Consumption We suggest you keep fluids to < 32oz on day 1, and < 8oz between waking (sample 3) and 2-hrs after waking (sample 4).

  • No more than one cup of fluids between Samples #3 and #4.

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Collection Day 1

Sample #1 - Dinnertime

  • Approximately 5pm.

  • Do not drink fluids for two hours before collecting sample. 

Sample # 2 - Bedtime

  • Approximate 10pm.

  • Do not drink fluids for two hours before collecting. 

 

Extra Overnight Sample

  • If you wake during the night collect this sample.

  • If you wake and urinate a second time during the night, do not collect.

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Collection Day 2

Sample #3 - Wake/Rising Within 10 minutes.

  • Do not lay awake in bed before sample #3.

 

No alcohol or caffeine and no more than one cup of fluids between samples #3 and #4.

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Sample #4 - 2-hrs After Waking

  • Tip: set a timer after sample #3.
     

Let's Connect

Thanks for submitting!

Email: lize@optimalhealthpractice.co.uk

Disclaimer:

The information provided through functional lab testing should not be relied on for any diagnostic purposes, please see your doctor first if you are seeking a diagnosis or treatment for any specific medical health condition. 

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© 2025 Lize Copeland

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