If a client is dealing with PMS, low libido, infertility, mood swings, or any kind of hormonal imbalance, it might be tempting to jump straight to a DUTCH test. After all, DUTCH gives an incredibly detailed look at estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and their metabolites.

But here’s the thing:
Hormones don’t function in a vacuum.

They’re influenced by minerals, blood sugar, stress, detox capacity, and more. That’s why we almost always recommend running an HTMA first before investing in a DUTCH test.

Here’s the nuance behind that recommendation—and how understanding the mineral foundation first helps you get more from your hormone testing later.

Minerals Lay the Foundation for Hormone Health

Minerals are the spark plugs of the body. They regulate enzyme activity, cellular communication, and hormone production. If minerals are out of balance, hormones will be too.

Some of the key mineral-hormone relationships we see on HTMA:

1. Calcium and Potassium (Ca/K): Often referred to as the “thyroid ratio”, this shows how well the thyroid hormone is actually getting into the cells. High calcium can block T3 from being used, even when thyroid labs look “normal”.
2. Sodium and Magnesium (Na/Mg): Known as the “adrenal ratio”, this reflects cortisol and aldosterone activity. A very low ratio might suggest burnout, while a high ratio could reflect chronic stress or inflammation.
3. Zinc and Copper (Zn/Cu): This ratio is critical for estrogen and progesterone balance. High copper (or hidden copper toxicity) is often connected with estrogen dominance, anxiety, and PMS.
4. Sodium and Potassium (Na/K): This is sometimes called the “stress and vitality ratio”. When this is inverted, it often indicates internalized stress, inflammation, and low resilience—which all affect hormone output and metabolism.

What HTMA Tells us That Dutch Can’t

DUTCH is amazing for showing the end result: how hormones are being produced and metabolized. But HTMA tells us why those patterns might be happening.

For example:

1. If DUTCH shows low progesterone, HTMA might show low sodium and potassium, pointing to weak adrenal output and low mineral reserves.
2. If DUTCH shows estrogen dominance, HTMA might reveal high calcium and low zinc or high tissue copper, suggesting impaired detox and liver stress.
3. If DUTCH shows cortisol dysregulation, HTMA can show us how long-term stress has depleted minerals like magnesium and potassium, making the body less responsive to even the best adaptogens.

HTMA Helps You Build a Smarter Protocol

Running HTMA first allows you to:

1. Strengthen the body’s mineral foundation before layering in hormone-specific supplements
2. Support adrenal and thyroid health, which are upstream regulators of sex hormones
3. Address detox and drainage so the body can clear hormone metabolites effectively
4. Avoid supplementing too soon with herbs or hormone support that the body isn’t ready for

This makes any future DUTCH test more accurate and more actionable.

When It Makes Sense to Add DUTCH

Once the client has supported mineral balance for 2 to 3 months, and you’ve seen improvement in sleep, energy, mood, or cycles—but there are still lingering hormone issues—that’s a great time to layer in DUTCH testing.

At that point, the body is more stable. You’ll get a clearer read on what’s going on hormonally, and you’ll be better equipped to act on it.

The Bottom Line

HTMA and DUTCH are both valuable tools—but the order matters.

Start with HTMA to assess the foundation. Build resilience. Then, if needed, use DUTCH to fine-tune hormone support.

That way, you’re not just addressing the end result. You’re supporting the whole system from the ground up.

Ready to learn how to properly interpret HTMA tests and create bioindividual diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations that address the actual root of hormonal issues?

Click here to watch my free on-demand training, where I walk you through:

– My proven 7-step system for interpreting and using HTMA
– How to use the most affordable, non-invasive lab as a foundational starting point
– And ultimately, how to use HTMA to attract and retain clients and grow your practice in LESS THAN ONE MONTH!