A peer-reviewed study published in BMC Chemistry in March 2021 has validated the reliability of dried urine testing as a method for comprehensive assessment of urine hormones and metabolites. This research provides important scientific backing for the DUTCH Plus testing methodology used at SomaFleur.
Study Overview
The study, authored by Newman and Curran, systematically evaluated whether dried urine samples could provide results comparable to traditional 24-hour urine collections, the previous gold standard for hormone metabolite testing.
Key Findings
The research demonstrated several important outcomes:
- Comparable Results: Dried urine samples showed strong correlation with 24-hour urine collections for measuring hormone metabolites
- Reliable Methodology: The dried urine method proved to be a valid alternative to more cumbersome traditional collection methods
- Patient Convenience: The simplified collection process makes comprehensive hormone testing more accessible
- Comprehensive Assessment: Multiple hormones and their metabolites can be accurately measured from a single collection
Why This Matters for Hormone Testing
Traditional 24-hour urine collections require patients to collect all urine over a full day, a process that's inconvenient, prone to collection errors, and often leads to incomplete samples. Dried urine testing offers:
- Simple at-home collection on filter paper
- Multiple collection points to capture diurnal hormone patterns
- Stable samples that can be easily shipped to the laboratory
- Comprehensive metabolite analysis not available through blood testing
Hormones and Metabolites Assessed
The validated dried urine methodology allows for measurement of:
- Estrogen metabolites: Including the 2-OH, 4-OH, and 16-OH pathways
- Progesterone metabolites: Providing insight into progesterone production and metabolism
- Androgen metabolites: DHEA-S, testosterone, and their downstream metabolites
- Cortisol and cortisone: Both free hormones and their metabolites
- Melatonin metabolites: Assessing sleep hormone production
Clinical Applications
This validated testing methodology enables clinicians and patients to:
- Assess hormone production throughout the day rather than at a single point in time
- Evaluate how the body metabolizes and eliminates hormones
- Identify patterns that may contribute to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, and sleep disturbances
- Guide personalized interventions based on individual hormone metabolism patterns
The SomaFleur Approach
At SomaFleur, we utilize the DUTCH Plus test, which is built upon this validated dried urine methodology. Combined with our GI-MAP gut microbiome testing, we can provide a comprehensive picture of how your body produces, processes, and eliminates hormones, and how your gut health influences these processes.
Study Reference: Newman M, Curran D. Reliability of a dried urine test for comprehensive assessment of urine hormones and metabolites. BMC Chem. 2021 Mar 22;15(1):18. doi: 10.1186/s13065-021-00744-3. PMID: 33752738.