DUTCH Test and Weight Gain: How Hormone Testing Can Unlock Answers
- Dr. Melissa Levy
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
If you’ve been struggling with stubborn weight gain despite eating well and exercising, you may have suspected that your hormones are involved. Standard labs often miss these imbalances, which is why many people turn to functional medicine hormone testing—and one of the best tools available is the DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones).
Why Hormones Can Cause Weight Gain
Hormones regulate metabolism, appetite, energy, and fat storage. When they’re out of balance, it’s easy to gain weight and nearly impossible to lose it.
Here are some common hormone imbalances linked to weight gain:
Cortisol (stress hormone): High cortisol leads to belly fat, sugar cravings, and disrupted sleep.
Estrogen dominance: Too much estrogen compared to progesterone can cause bloating, water retention, and weight gain around the hips and thighs.
Low testosterone & DHEA: These androgens help build muscle and support metabolism. Low levels can slow fat burning.
Sleep hormones (melatonin): Poor sleep changes appetite hormones, increasing hunger and cravings.
What is the DUTCH Test?
The DUTCH Test for hormones and weight gain is a specialized at-home urine test that measures:
Reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA)
Stress hormones (cortisol and cortisone)
Hormone metabolites (how your body breaks down hormones)
Organic acids, melatonin, and oxidative stress markers (on advanced panels)
Unlike bloodwork, which gives a single snapshot, the DUTCH Test maps your hormone levels and rhythms over an entire day—providing a more complete picture.
How the DUTCH Test Helps With Weight Gain
The DUTCH Test can reveal:
Cortisol rhythm issues (flatlined or spiking at night)
Estrogen dominance or sluggish estrogen detox pathways
Low androgens reducing muscle tone and metabolism
Poor melatonin production linked to weight and blood sugar dysregulation
This information helps practitioners create a personalized plan with nutrition, stress support, supplements, and lifestyle strategies to rebalance hormones and support healthy weight loss.
How to Do the DUTCH Test
The DUTCH Test for hormone imbalance and weight gain is simple and done from home:
A test kit is shipped to you.
You collect dried urine samples on paper strips at specific times during the day.
Once dry, you mail the samples back in the prepaid envelope.
Results are ready in 2–3 weeks and reviewed with your practitioner.
Who Should Consider Hormone Testing for Weight Issues?
The DUTCH Test may be right for you if you’re experiencing:
Weight gain despite diet and exercise
Fatigue, poor sleep, or high stress
PMS, perimenopause, or menopause symptoms
Blood sugar issues or metabolic concerns
Unexplained difficulty losing weight
Final Thoughts
Weight gain is often a symptom of hidden hormone imbalances. The DUTCH Test offers a deeper look at your cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and more—helping you uncover root causes and finally get answers.
If you’ve been searching for a solution beyond “eat less, move more,” hormone testing with the DUTCH Test may be the missing link in your health and weight loss journey.