Hormones test - important information

What days of the month do I collect? 

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).

Men & Non-Cycling or Postmenopausal Women Collect any day. 

Are you taking any hormones?

DO NOT TAKE oral DHEA 48 hours before, or any oral estrogen* or pregnenolone 72 hours before your first collection. 

*Do not skip doses of birth control for this test unless instructed by your practitioner. 

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.

What you should avoid

Restrictions
When Collecting DUTCH Complete™ or DUTCH OATs 

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.

Watch Your Water/Fluid Consumption 

Do not drink any fluids for two hours before collecting each sample. We suggest you keep fluids to < 32oz on day 1, and < 8oz between waking (sample 3) and 2-hrs after waking (sample 4).