Fertility issues affect 1 in 6 couples today. While assisted reproductive technologies like IVF can help many, a growing number seek more natural solutions first.
At Dr. Ryu’s natural fertility clinic in Wimbledon, comprehensive hormone testing is the foundation for unveiling the root causes of fertility challenges and tailoring effective, holistic treatment plans.
The Crucial Role of Hormones in Fertility
Hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol and DHEA play an intricate dance that supports natural fertility.
Imbalances in even one hormone can obstruct conception.
Stress, poor diet, toxins and health conditions commonly disrupt hormonal balance. Testing hormone levels along with their metabolites provides a functional perspective of hormonal health and fertility potential.
Limitations of Traditional Blood and Saliva Testing
Traditionally, fertility clinics rely on blood or saliva testing to evaluate hormones.
However, these only offer a limited snapshot.
– Blood tests assess total hormone levels (both active and inactive hormone) at a single point in time.
– Saliva tests measure free hormone levels but lack insight on metabolites.
Both miss the 24-hour fluctuations and metabolic activity vital for identifying hormone imbalances.
The DUTCH Test – A Breakthrough in Comprehensive Hormone Testing
At Dr. Ryu’s clinic, we utilize the innovative DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones), which analyses dried urine samples collected over a 24-hour period. This provides a comprehensive picture of both sex and adrenal hormones along with their metabolites.
Key Advantages of the DUTCH Test:
- Assesses hormone levels over 24 hours capturing crucial fluctuations
- Measures metabolites providing functional insight into hormone processing
- Analyzes sex hormones, cortisol and DHEA together highlighting interactions in whole Steroid hormone pathway
- Identifies key nutritional deficiencies affecting hormones like B vitamins
- Minimal patient inconvenience using simple, at-home dried urine sampling
Interpreting the DUTCH Test Results
The DUTCH test report, spanning 8-15 pages, compiles easy-to-understand charts, graphics and lab analyses.
Dr. Ryu meticulously evaluates each patient’s unique hormonal profile to pinpoint specific imbalances or risk factors obstructing fertility.
Common findings include:
- Oestrogen deficiency or dominance
- Oestrogen metabolism (safe Oestrogen, dangerous Oestrogen)
- Progesterone deficiency in luteal phase, luteal phase defect
- Poor cortisol circadian rhythm indicating stress, poor resilience, inflammation
- Low or high testosterone and DHEA levels
- Nutritional deficiencies in vitamins that are essential regulating hormones
- Neurotransmitter Dopamine and Epinephrine metabolites, Neuroinflammatory marker
- Gut Dysbiosis marker
- Antioxidant marker, Glutathione and melatonin
- Oxidative stress (DNA damage) marker, 8-OHdG
From Hormones To Longevity
We recognize that hormonal balance is a key foundation for health and vitality at every age.
For both men and women, hormones like testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, DHEA and cortisol change significantly as we age, influencing energy, mood, libido, and metabolic function.
The DUTCH test allows us to accurately assess these hormones and their metabolites, providing invaluable data to customize treatment plans.
We recommend regular monitoring of hormone levels. This proactive approach allows for early detection of hormonal imbalances and aids our patients in gracefully navigating age-related hormonal shifts, enhancing quality of life and addressing concerns like vitality, mood stability and metabolic health.
Whether it’s enhancing natural fertility, or managing breast cancer care, navigating the menopausal transition and ageing process, understanding your hormonal landscape through the DUTCH test is a step towards optimal health and well-being.
Based on the test results, Dr. Ryu devises a tailored protocol to address hormone imbalances through herbal medicine, dietary strategies, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle changes.
The Way Forward – Fertility Care aligned with Nature
At Dr. Ryu’s clinic, we blend the power of technology like the DUTCH test with holistic modalities to uncover the root issues obstructing natural fertility. Our integrative and holistic approach improves hormonal harmony, ovarian/testicular function and fertility. Committed to evidence-based yet humanistic care, we partner with each couple to fulfil their fertility dreams.