How to take your Hormones Test
Check list
1. 5 x Sample sheets
2. 1 x Sealable plastic bag
3. 1 x Absorbent material
4. 1 x Pre-paid returns envelope
5. 1 x DUTCH lab form
How to collect
The Hormones Test is a set of four urine samples, and one further additional sample taken over a 24 hour period.
Step 1
Fill in your details for each sample before you collect.
Step 2
Open and collect your sample by urinating on the absorbent filter paper.
Step 3
Leave unfolded to dry.
Step 4
Fold and place the dried samples into the sealable plastic bag.
When to collect
Collect a urine sample as close as possible to the below timeline, while adhering to your most common wake/sleep schedule. No alcohol, caffeine or large fluid intake after lunch or before collecting the evening sample. No more than one cup of fluids between sample three and four, please see important information for foods to avoid.
DAY 01
Sample 1 - Before evening meal - Approximately 5pm.
Do not drink fluids for two hours before collecting.
Sample 2 - Bed time - Approximately 10pm.
Do not drink fluids for two hours before collecting.
DAY 02
Sample 3 - (Optional sample) - Collect at your first waking sleep disturbance with urination.
Sample 4 - Within 10 minutes of waking.
Do not lay awake in bed before sample.
Sample 5 - 2 hours after waking
Do not lay awake in bed before sample.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Pre-menopausal women
Collection should be taken between 9 - 7 days before then end of your normal cycle.
Using 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. If you take sublingual hormones (absorbed in the mouth or under the tongue) or if you take oral hydrocortisone (cortisol) please visit dutchtest.com for specific video instructions.
Foods to avoid
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 to avoid
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.
Sign and return
Once your sample is safely sealed, follow these steps to return your sample for processing by the labs.
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Check, complete and sign your DUTCH lab form.
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Add the signed form and samples into the pre-paid returns envelope.
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Post the envelope in any Royal Mail post box. If you are returning your sample from outside the UK please contact us at support@omnos.me.