Precision Analytical
Precision Analytical offers unique hormone testing and reporting methods to assess adrenal and sex hormone imbalances.
The DUTCH test (dried urine test for comprehensive hormones) looks at sex and stress hormones and their metabolites, melatonin, oxidative stress and nutrient markers and some peripheral neurotransmitter breakdown markers. It’s simple to administer at home, and extremely accurate.
Cortisol
Many naturopaths use saliva for hormone testing. All GPs use blood testing or a 24 hour urine test.
Saliva and blood tests don’t provide sufficient information if you need to understand the diurnal (daily) rhythm. This matters particularly if you are using specific supplements or herbs with a patient, and if there are specific triggers during the day negatively impacting cortisol release that will need to be addressed to optimise hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function and with free and cortisol metabolites, we get a much more accurate picture of how much cortisol is being produced in the adrenals and how the body is then using it and how the body is handling stress. This element is particularly useful to assess resilience in those who train hard, or travel frequently for work.
Sex Hormones
The DUTCH test looks at oestrogens, androgens, and progesterone and their metabolites. The DUTCH test can also tell us what types of oestrogens are being produced in the body, and gives us an indication of why someone might be experiencing certain symptoms or conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), dysmenorrhoea, irregular periods, hormone-driven cancers, and we often use this test to assess efficacy of tamoxifen or other hormone blocking medications during this period of treatment, or with post-menopausal women to understand symptoms such as weight gain, mood disorders, or assess efficacy of bio identical hormone therapy (BHRT).
The DUTCH cycle mapping element is crucial to map the oestrogen nada progesterone pattens of the menstrual cycle to asses the follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases. It’s useful if a patient is experiencing issues with repeated miscarriages or finds she is unable to get pregnant.
Men often find DUTCH testing useful if they are experiencing hair loss, gynecomastia, low libido, depression, sleeping issues, or want to assess prostate cancer risk.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland in response to light and helps to regulates the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm)., with some melatonin being also made in the gut.
Melatonin also plays a role as a potent brain antioxidant,immune system modulator, promoter of growth hormone production. Melatonin levels can be depleted by beta-blockers and low levels of melatonin can cause sleep issues (falling or staying asleep), negatively impact immune system, drive mood changes, fatigue, and may suppress growth hormone activity.
If cortisol is elevated at light this may also suppress melatonin activity.
Other DUTCH OATS
Organic acids for HVA, VMA, KYNA. MMA. Xanthurate, Pyroglutamate. These are nutrient markers include B vitamins (B12, B6) and glutathione, and metabolites of peripheral neurotransmitter breakdown of dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.
OHDG measures endogenous oxidative stress damage to DNA.The marker is used to estimate the risk for various cancers and degenerative diseases DNA damage).
Tests offered include:
