Hormone Testing: Insights and Solutions

Last Updated on 30 May 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic

Hormones are in a continuous flow through our bodies, responsible for almost every organ, cell and bodily function, from birth until the end of life. The main hormone production glands within this system, known as the endocrine system, are the reproductive organs, the pancreas, the thyroid, the adrenals, and the pituitary/pineal/hypothalamus in the brain (1).  Due to this extensive distribution, it’s easy to see how these hormones play such a vital role in our health, sent via the bloodstream to the various tissues in the body.

The important thing to understand is that all of these glands are interconnected, thus creating a network of feedback and fluctuation in hormone levels. So when there’s an imbalance in one organ, it will invariably affect other aspects of your health that you may not realise are connected. An example of this is when a person is suffering from considerable stress, which affects our adrenal output, which may, in turn, affect your reproductive organs and/or thyroid function (2).

By testing for hormone levels gives a wonderful insight into what’s actually happening currently in your body, and gives the practitioner and yourself a deeper understanding of your health, and ultimately results in quicker resolution and relief of symptoms. One such test, known to be the most comprehensive and advanced hormone test available to practitioners, is the DUTCH test, analysing 35 different hormones, which include reproductive hormones, DHEA and cortisol, as well as oxidative stress markers, amongst others3. This test is a urine test, which shows increased accuracy over the standard blood and saliva testing (4).

So when might you need to do a DUTCH test? Below are just some examples of conditions that would greatly benefit from deeper insight and knowledge specific to your hormones:

  • Menopause
  • HRT
  • PMS
  • Painful and/or heavy menses
  • Irregular menses
  • Infertility
  • Chronic stress
  • Disturbed sleep patterns


The test shows all the various metabolites of oestrogen, some of which are beneficial to us, and others, which are highly toxic in high doses. This knowledge gives you an assurance that you are not poisoning your body with potentially toxic metabolites of hormones, and also the possibility to clear them from the body with treatment from your practitioner, should they be present. This is a very important step in the overall hormonal health of patients, often overlooked.

Much research has been done over the past 20-30 years to deepen our understanding of oestrogens and their metabolites, and the risk of breast cancer, as well as other oestrogen sensitive cancers. The scientific acceptance is that high levels of 4-catechol oestrogens, and the ratio between them and other metabolites, are strongly associated with the increased risk of breast cancer (5). It is also essential to establish if your body is methylating adequately, which helps in the elimination of these substances from the body, which is discussed as part of your naturopathic consultation. Additionally, your oestrogen levels are dependent on whether you are pre or post-menopausal.

In addition to the above, it is equally interesting to establish if you have any genetic mutations, such as COMT. If methylation does not occur due to lack of defective gene polymorphisms in COMT, the catechol estrogens can further oxidize to 2- and 4-estrogen quinones, worsened by trans-hydrogenated fats in the diet, and/or heavy metals, or lack of glutathione, thus increasing the cancer risk in tissues such as the breasts, uterus and ovaries.

So as you can see, doing such a simple test as the DUTCH will give you great peace of mind, or should a problem be found, then the possibility to work through and resolve the health concern in partnership with your naturopath, particularly for women approaching or in the middle of menopause.


Want to learn more? These Blogs may also interest you. Click HERE or HERE or HERE 

Our Amazing Naturopaths at Brisbane Livewell Clinic

Shella Hall (Sunshine Coast and online)

Amy Angus (Wavell Heights and online)

Jen Strachan (Cannon Hill and online)

Nicole Odlum (Wavell Heights and online)

Dominique Johanson (Wavell Heights and online)

Locations We Service – Naturopathy

Naturopath Caloundra
Naturopath Wavell Heights
Naturopath Cannon Hill
Naturopath Sunshine Coast 
Naturopath Noosa
Naturopath Brisbane Northside
Naturopath Brisbane
Naturopaths Brisbane
Brisbane Naturopaths
Naturopathy Brisbane
Naturopaths Near Me
Best Naturopaths Near Me
Best Naturopath Near Me
Natural Therapies Brisbane
Therapists Brisbane

Relevant Naturopath links

Why You May Wish to Consult a Naturopath

Gut Health

Perimenopause and Menopause

Hormone Health

Thyroid Issues

Detox and Cleansing

Insomnia and Sleep Health

Autoimmune Conditions

Mental Health, Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Women’s Health

Fertility and Pregnancy

Men’s Health

Children’s Health

DNA Testing

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Food Intolerances and Allergies

Weight Loss

Nutrition and Mineral Deficiencies

Parasites

Chronic Fatigue / Exhaustion / Tired

Healthy Eating

Naturopath Health Screening

Brisbane Livewell Clinic. Dietician Brisbane

About Brisbane Livewell Clinic

  • Brisbane’s most-established Health, Natural Therapies, Naturopath & Wellness Clinic
  • Clinics located in Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill
  • Multiple skilled and experienced practitioners

Visit our Wavell Heights Clinic

Visit our Cannon Hill Clinic

Your Feedback Matters

We value your feedback. Share your thoughts and questions at [email protected].

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions. Our therapies complement, not replace, medical treatment; discuss any proposed treatment or therapy with your GP before commencing. 

Please read our Disclaimer for more information.

Brisbane's Top Health, Natural Therapies, Naturopath and Wellness Centre

Brisbane Livewell Clinic, located in Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill, is Brisbane’s top health, natural therapies, and wellness clinic. Founded in 1979, it is the longest-running Wellness Centre in Brisbane.

Our Practitioners

Our Clinics are home to a team of experienced Allied Health and Natural Therapy practitioners. Each Practitioner is highly skilled, qualified, and a member of their respective professional associations. They bring expertise and compassion to their work, believing everyone deserves a life free of pain, anxiety, and ill health.

What is Brisbane Livewell Clinic Best Known For?

Brisbane Livewell Clinic is best known for its holistic health and wellness services, both Natural Therapies and Allied Health Services. It has locations in Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill in Brisbane, Queensland and offers a range of therapies in Brisbane and around Australia, including Naturopathy, Nutrition, Massage Therapy, Counselling, Acupuncture, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Hypnotherapy, Kinesiology, Bowen Therapy and Mindset Therapy. 

Our Clinic focuses on personalised Wellness Plans for our patients that address the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms, helping our patients achieve lasting wellness. If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to health, it’s time to get in touch.

Our Services

Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, improving dietary habits, needing physical rehabilitation, or searching for mental and emotional support, we offer a wide range of services:

Locations We Service

At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we serve the following locations and are a part of the local community in:

Content Policy

Our content is produced following strict editorial guidelines for accuracy, relevance, and integrity. Each article undergoes a comprehensive review process, including fact-checking and verification against reputable sources such as peer-reviewed journals and government publications.