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/

 

Ever feel like stress is just... part of life? Like no matter how much deep breathing you do, your to-do list laughs in your face?

Here’s the deal: You don’t just need less stress—you need a bigger bucket to hold it.

I just had a game-changing conversation with Dr. Jenny (one of our fantastic docs on the team!) about increasing your capacity for stress. Because let’s be real: some stressors aren’t going anywhere. The job you can’t leave yet. The special needs child you love fiercely. The ongoing life changes. The answer isn’t just “reduce stress.” It’s learning how to handle it better.

Imagine your stress capacity as a glass of water. If it’s already full to the brim, one more drop sends it overflowing. But what if you could make the glass bigger? That’s the goal.

Here’s how you start expanding your stress bucket:

✅ Know your cortisol levels. High and low cortisol can feel the same—exhaustion, brain fog, and overwhelm. Testing (like the DUTCH test) helps you treat the actual issue, not just guess.

✅ Support your adrenals. Your body is working hard. Give it what it needs—nutrients, sleep, and the right adaptogens (because the wrong ones can make things worse!).

✅ Make it a lifestyle. This isn’t a quick fix. Women who truly feel better see changes over 3-6 months, sometimes even a year. But the results? Worth it.

Here’s what I love: When you understand your body, you stop fighting it. You learn to work with it, build resilience, and feel more you again.

Sometimes, the way forward isn’t something you figure out on your own. Whether it’s working with a practitioner, trying acupuncture, seeing a chiropractor, or just reaching out to a friend who gets it—getting support isn’t a weakness, it’s wisdom. You don’t have to do this alone.

Here’s what’s amazing: when you start taking care of yourself, the world around you shifts, too. You feel more like yourself again. You have more patience. More energy. More capacity to show up for the people you love. It’s not just about stress—it’s about reclaiming your vibrancy.

If you are ready to increase your capacity for stress and FEEL better, get started with a hormone test here: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/