Case Study – using hormone testing to help resolve hair loss, low energy, low mood and low libido

During the initial 15 minute free Discovery Call I was unable to identify any genetic / family history or immediate causes for her ongoing symptoms except Emily did reveal that she had experienced significant stress in the last few years including relocating countries.

I immediately thought of the Dutch hormone test for Emily as this an “at home” one day urine test which simply requires 4 samples of urine collected over one day on filter paper sticks, dried and returned to the laboratory the next day. I have been using this test for over 5 years as it is more accurate than blood or saliva testing and provides greater insight into:

• The metabolism, detoxification and levels of key female sex hormones including oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone
• Levels and patterns of adrenal hormones (our stress hormones) including Cortisol
• Deficiencies in key nutritional organic acids such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Glutathione which is our master anti-oxidant

Emily was keen to go ahead with the test so I as a Registered Practitioner with Regnerus Laboratories I ordered the test, advised Emily on the correct time in her menstrual cycle to do the test and 12 working days after Emily returned the samples to the lab, the results were sent directly to myself for analysis and interpretation.

Combining the results of the Dutch Hormone test with Emily’s completed questionnaire and food diary I was then able to develop a diet, lifestyle and supplement plan to discuss and agree with Emily at her initial 1 hour consultation.

Dutch Hormone Test results

The Dutch results were really instrumental in linking Emily’s symptoms including:

Progesterone levels

These were higher than Oestrogen and Testosterone when all 3 of these key hormones should really be at the SAME level. Higher progesterone is linked with low libido and when it is being metabolised more down the alpha pathway as Emily’s was, is linked to many of Emily’s symptoms including bloating and low mood.

Oestrogen

Oestrogen was low and phase 2 of Oestrogen metabolism was sluggish – similarly linked to her symptoms of bloating, poor digestion and low libido.

Total Cortisol Production

This was low and is linked with low mood and energy, and sustained periods of stress.

Androgen metabolites

These include testosterone and DHEA and were high for her age and being metabolised down the more androgenic pathway – critically linked to hair loss and poor blood sugar regulation.

B6 and Glutathione

And finally, the tests results showed a B6 and Glutathione deficiency (key for Hormone balance) and low Dopamine which explained Emily’s low mood.

The plan of action

By the end of Emily’s initial consultation after explaining her results, making connections between her ongoing symptoms and the imbalances and deficiencies, we had agreed a plan which included:

• Dietary changes to support mood, better blood sugar control and oestrogen levels
• Lifestyle changes including stress reduction and breathing exercises
• 3 new Supplements to reduce androgen metabolism, and boost oestrogen metabolism and detoxification

The Results

Week 2 checking progress

At a 2 week check in via e mail, Emily reported she had noticed small positive changes in her mood and she was enjoying eating new foods that she knew were nourishing her and she found easy to incorporate.

1 month follow up progress

At her first follow up consultation (one month from the initial), Emily reported improvements in her digestion – less bloating whilst feeling full after her meals which was a sign that her blood sugar was under better control. Emily had also noticed a real positive change in hair loss which she said made her feel more at ease and motivated to keep going with the changes. We added a few more things in to her diet (I try to not overwhelm clients with too many changes at once and agree to make changes slowly).

2nd & final follow up progress

At her 2nd and final follow up consultation (2 month from her first consultation), Emily had continued to enjoy the improvements already reported and also said her libido was slightly better. We agreed that Emily should continue as she had been doing for the last 2 months, continue to practise relaxation and restorative exercises and after 3 months we would review her supplementation programme.

We exchanged a few emails thereafter and Emily decided she did not need a further consultation signing off with the following:

“If in the future I notice any changes or need your help, I will definitely reach out again as I’ve had such a great experience with your approach and appreciate all the help- thank you so much”.

Closing Remarks

I have been using the Dutch Hormone Test for over 5 years now as I find it invaluable in providing  insights into so many conditions that I work with including premenstrual syndrome, PMDD, PCOS, menopause, infertility, weight gain, fatigue, low libido, sleep issues and mood disorders in women.

Additionally given the increase in use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) I am also using this test to guide the administration and monitoring of hormone replacement therapy as it is definitely not a “one size fits all” when it comes to HRT!

If you would like some help or want to find out about how my nutritional therapy can help you, then call, email or book a free consultation, below.

Nutrition 4 change is based in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, England

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