One of the most beautiful aspects of our kitchen socials and the space is the freedom it offers—freedom from comparison and the societal pressures that often tie health to weight. While weight loss may be a goal for some, we’re looking at the bigger picture: how focusing on balance and nourishment helps us live healthier, more fulfilling lives in the long run.

For example, managing stress, mood fluctuations, or hormonal changes with tools like balanced meals, increased protein, adaptogens, or light therapy can have far-reaching benefits. When we prioritise these aspects, we create a foundation for energy, resilience, and the ability to enjoy life—whether that’s playing with grandchildren, taking active holidays, or simply embracing each day.

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparison, but as one of our Nutritional Kitchen attendees have pointed out, looking back, we often realise we were too critical of ourselves in the moment. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could celebrate ourselves as we are now, focusing on our strengths and nurturing our health without judgment?

We also have had fascinating discussions about the DUTCH test. It’s an insightful tool that provides a detailed look at hormones, including cortisol (your stress hormone), which can give clues about how your body copes with stress and its overall hormone balance. By understanding these patterns, we can identify the best steps—whether through lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, or adjusting HRT—to support your unique needs.

Health is complex, especially during peri-menopause, when hormone fluctuations can mimic or mask each other’s effects. Testing helps pinpoint the causes of symptoms, like fatigue, and tailor solutions to meet your needs. It’s all about finding the right balance for you, without striving for perfection.

Summary of the DUTCH Test and Its Benefits

The DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) test is a cutting-edge tool for evaluating hormonal health. By analysing hormone metabolites over a 24-hour period through dried urine samples, it provides a detailed and accurate picture of hormone levels and their pathways. This approach is particularly useful for understanding the hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause.

Key Benefits of the DUTCH Test

1. Comprehensive Hormonal Insights:

• Assesses levels of oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and their metabolites.

• Offers a deeper understanding of how your body produces and processes hormones, including adrenal gland contributions.

2. Identifies Underlying Imbalances:

• Detects slow oestrogen metabolism, which may increase the risk of hormonally driven cancers and various other hormone related symptoms. Dietary and supplement interventions can improve oestrogen detoxification.

• Highlights chronic stress through elevated cortisol levels, which may contribute to adrenal fatigue and symptoms like fatigue and mood swings.

3. Risk Assessment:

• Elevated oestrogen metabolites can signal higher risks of oestrogen-related cancers.

• Imbalanced cortisol metabolites can reveal adrenal dysfunction, influencing stress and energy levels.

4. Functional Medicine Approach:

• DUTCH test results are valuable for creating personalised, holistic plans that address the interaction of hormones, nutrition, stress, and lifestyle. These plans often include stress management, dietary adjustments, supplements, and other interventions to optimise long-term health.

By identifying specific hormonal imbalances and their root causes, the DUTCH test empowers individuals to take a proactive and tailored approach to managing their health during perimenopause and beyond.

Investing in long-term health is the best gift we can give ourselves and our loved ones. It’s not about an ideal body, but about feeling supported, strong, and ready to embrace the years ahead.

Thank you for being part of this wonderful, nurturing community. Here’s to health, connection, and kindness to ourselves.