Simple answer. It is usually hormones.
That seems like a simplistic answer, and it is. As with most things the Devil is in the details.
Which hormone or hormones?
And that is where things get sticky. There are at least 27 different hormones, and their levels can vary widely throughout the course of a day. Until now there has been no way to adequately test the whole hormonal picture. You could track cortisol (one of the adrenal hormones) through the daily cycle with a saliva test, but not the metabolites.
Some tests measure the 24-hour excretion of most hormones, but those tests didn’t provide any information about the cycling of hormones. Collecting all one’s urine for 24 hours was difficult and inconvenient.
All that has changed with the introduction of a new state of the art hormone test, the DUTCH Test. DUTCH test is an acronym for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones.
The Dutch Test combines all the advantages of saliva, urine, and serum hormone testing into a single affordable, comprehensive test. Four samples are collected at specific intervals over a 24 hour period.
The Dutch Test pinpoints the problem areas in the hormonal cycle. This data provides the physician with the precise information needed to make hormonal adjustments.
To learn more about the Dutch Test, go to Dutchtest.com and watch some of the many informative videos available for both patients and physicians.
The cost of the full Dutch Test is approximately $250 and may be covered by many insurance plans.
If you would like more information about DUTCH test, call 509 943-2101 to schedule your appointment.