Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain crucial hormones. On the other end of the spectrum, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate a person’s metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Does DUTCH Testing Look at the Thyroid?
The short answer: no. However, DUTCH testing can show an indication of Hypo/Hyperthyroidism when the free and metabolised cortisol do not match (one is much high or lower than the other) and abnormal cortisol clearance is implied.
If the metabolite levels are generally lower than free cortisol on page 5 of the DUTCH Complete™ and DUTCH Plus® report, the patient may have sluggish cortisol clearance. The most common reason for this is hypothyroidism. However, if the DUTCH report shows metabolite levels generally higher than free cortisol, the patient may have rapid cortisol clearance. This pattern is often seen in hyperthyroidism, and possible infection/inflammation and long-term stress.
DUTCH Testing & Cortisol Clearance
DUTCH testing looks at cortisol clearance which can help provide insight into both rapid and sluggish clearance. DUTCH shows the metabolised cortisol production (which directly impacts the thyroid) and can help determine if further thyroid testing should be ordered or if other underlying HPA Axis dysfunction exists.
