If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I love hormone testing. I’m talking about the DUTCH test - dried urine test that gives us a deep, behind-the-scenes look at what’s really going on with your hormones.

And let me tell you, after looking at hundreds of DUTCH test results, there are three big things I see again and again—things that could be the missing puzzle piece to why you’re feeling off. So let’s get into it!

1. 🚨 Stress is Running the Show (a.k.a. Cortisol Chaos)

Let’s get real: when was the last time you weren’t stressed? If you’re anything like the women I work with, your stress levels have been through the roof for years. Maybe you went through a tough divorce, had a high-pressure job, or just navigated the circus act of balancing work, family, and life (hello, cortisol rollercoaster!).

Your body doesn’t just forget stress. Even if life is good now, your nervous system might still be stuck in “fight or flight” mode. And when your cortisol is constantly high (or completely tanked from years of overdrive), you’ll feel it—fatigue, anxiety, gut issues, stubborn weight gain, the whole shebang.

💡 The fix? We can’t guess where your cortisol is—we have to test it. Then, we tailor the right strategy (because high cortisol and low cortisol need completely different approaches!).

2. 🚨 Estrogen is Stuck in a Traffic Jam

Maybe you’ve been told your estrogen levels are “normal,” but your periods say otherwise. Heavy bleeding, clots, painful ovulation, mood swings? Yeah, that’s not fine.

Here’s the deal: estrogen isn’t just about how much you have—it’s about how your body is processing it. DUTCH testing shows us whether estrogen is getting stuck in phase one, struggling in phase two, or just plain refusing to leave your system.

And the crazy part? You won’t see these imbalances on a standard blood test. That’s why so many women get dismissed when they know something’s off.

💡 The fix? Supporting your body’s natural detox pathways (like your liver and gut) and, if needed, using targeted herbs or nutrients to get estrogen moving the right way.

3. 🚨 Low Dopamine = No Motivation (and Zero Joy)

I have to admit something: when I saw my own DUTCH test results, my dopamine levels were in the toilet. And I didn’t even realize it—until I started fixing it.

Low dopamine doesn’t just mean feeling “a little off.” It’s waking up and dreading the day, losing interest in things you used to love, and craving constant stimulation (hello, endless Instagram scrolling). It’s looking at a Halloween store vampire coffin and thinking, Wow, that looks cozy (true story—red flag, right?).

💡 The fix? Dopamine isn’t just about supplements—it’s about lifestyle. More movement, more joy, more creativity, more connection. And sometimes, targeted nutrients to give your brain the extra push it needs.

If you’re struggling with fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, or just feeling off, it’s time to stop guessing. A DUTCH test gives you real answers, so you can take real action.

So tell me—do any of these red flags sound familiar? And if you’re ready to finally get to the root of your hormone struggles, let’s test your hormones: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/