The HUMAP Test: A Deep Dive Into Urinary Hormone & Metabolite Profiling for Precision Wellness (2025 Guide)
1 | Why Hormone Metabolites Matter in 2025
• Hormone-responsive cancers remain a leading cause of death; urinary ratios such as 2-OHE1 : 16-OHE1 correlate with breast-cancer risk and all-cause mortality.
• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), chronic stress, and circadian misalignment are driving record rates of estrogen dominance, low-T, adrenal burnout, and PCOS.
• Conventional serum tests capture a fleeting “snapshot.” Urinary metabolomics reveals the whole movie—how hormones are produced, biotransformed, and eliminated over 24 hours.
Bottom line: In a data-driven era, relying on single serum estradiol or cortisol readings is like judging a Netflix series from one frame. HUMAP supplies the director’s cut.
2 | What Exactly Is the HUMAP Test?
HUMAP (Hormone & Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile) is a multi-spot or 24-hour urine panel that quantifies 40+ parent hormones, downstream metabolites, detox ratios, and select organic acids using gold-standard liquid-chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
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Non-invasive; no phlebotomy required.
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Captures diurnal hormone dynamics.
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Optional neurotransmitter module adds dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and more.
Unlike single-analyte “add-ons,” HUMAP’s algorithm normalizes results to creatinine, correcting for hydration variations and enabling apples-to-apples tracking.
3 | Science Under the Hood: LC-MS/MS + Creatinine Indexing
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Acidified urine is divided into four aliquots representing waking, mid-morning, afternoon, and bedtime (or pooled for 24-h capture).
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Samples undergo solid-phase extraction to isolate free and conjugated steroids.
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Conjugates are enzymatically de-conjugated, providing total hormone output.
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LC-MS/MS quantifies analytes to picogram sensitivity, outperforming immunoassays plagued by cross-reactivity.
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Results are indexed per gram of creatinine, standardizing for urine concentration.
Why LC-MS/MS?
• Detects isobaric compounds (e.g., cortisol vs. cortisone).
• Delivers < 5 % coefficient of variation.
• Simultaneously measures methoxy-estrogens critical for COMT insight.
4 | Analytes at a Glance
4.1 Sex-Steroid Pathways
Parent Hormone | Key Metabolites (Phase I) | Downstream (Phase II) | Clinical Pearl |
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Estrone (E1) | 2-OHE1, 4-OHE1, 16-OHE1 | 2-MeOE1, 4-MeOE1 | Low 2 : 16 ratio (< 1.5) linked to ER+ cancer risk |
Estradiol (E2) | 2-OHE2, 4-OHE2 | 2-MeOE2, 4-MeOE2 | High 4-OHE2 suggests DNA-adduct potential |
Progesterone | Pregnanediol, Allopregnanolone | — | Low luteal PdG flags infertility |
Testosterone | Androsterone, Etiocholanolone | 11-keto metabolites | Elevated 5α-reduced T may drive acne/alopecia |
4.2 Adrenal Stress & Cortisol Metabolites
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Free cortisol × 4 points + tetrahydrocortisol (THF), tetrahydrocortisone (THE) reveal both production and clearance.
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Cortisol:Cortisone ratio illuminates 11β-HSD activity—key in insulin resistance.
4.3 Phase I vs. Phase II Detox Ratios
Ratio | Interpretation |
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2-OHE1 : 16-OHE1 | > 2.0 = protective; < 1.5 = estrogen dominance. |
2-MeOE1 : 2-OHE1 | Reflects COMT methylation; low ratio suggests need for SAMe, folate, B-vits. |
Androsterone : Etiocholanolone | Indicates 5α- vs 5β-reductase bias impacting prostate and hair. |
4.4 Methylation Efficiency (COMT)
• COMT converts reactive catechols to benign methoxy-estrogens.
• HUMAP quantifies both substrate and product, offering a functional snapshot of COMT activity—vital for patients with COMT V158M polymorphism.
4.5 Neurotransmitter & Nutrient Add-Ons
Optional slide-outs measure:
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Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine
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Serotonin, 5-HIAA
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GABA, Glutamate
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Kynurenic vs. Quinolinic acid (neuro-inflammation markers)
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Vitamin B6, B12, Folate co-factor markers via organic acids
5 | Who Should Consider Ordering HUMAP?
Patient Profile | Why HUMAP Helps |
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Peri- & post-menopausal women | Tailors bio-identical HRT, monitors cancer-protective 2-OH pathway. |
Men 40+ with fatigue or low libido | Distinguishes primary hypogonadism from high aromatase-driven estrogen excess. |
PCOS & infertility cases | Maps androgen spillover and progesterone deficiency in one test. |
Endometriosis, fibroids, painful periods | Validates estrogen dominance and sluggish methylation. |
Athletes & bio-hackers | Confirms over-training cortisol patterns, guides adaptogen dosing. |
Breast / Prostate cancer survivors | Surveillance of estrogen or DHT metabolites without radiation exposure. |
Histamine intolerance, anxiety | Low COMT activity → catechol buildup; results prompt SAMe/ Mg / B-vitamine protocols. |
6 | Seven High-Impact Clinical Use-Cases
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Personalized HRT Titration
Example: A 55-y-o on transdermal E2 has optimal serum estradiol (60 pg/mL) yet develops fibrocystic breasts. HUMAP shows 4-OHE1 elevated and 4-MeOE1 low. Clinician adds methyl-B12/B6 and DIM; follow-up panel normalizes ratios—symptoms resolve. -
PCOS Root-Cause Mapping
HUMAP reveals high androsterone and low progesterone metabolites, focusing treatment on ovulation support, myo-inositol, and spearmint extract rather than oral contraceptives. -
Stress-Induced Weight Gain
Elevated midnight free cortisol + high THF/THE ratio guide phosphatidylserine + timed blue-light exposure. Weight stalls reverse. -
Autoimmune Thyroid + Estrogen Dominance
Low 2:16 ratio with sluggish COMT prompts liver-support and selenium; Hashimoto antibodies drop 30 % in 6 months. -
Male Androgenic Alopecia
High 5α-reductase (androsterone bias) flags dutasteride vs. finasteride decision. HUMAP follow-up confirms efficacy. -
Migraine with Aura
Severe luteal estrogen drop and low SAMe ratio uncovered—methyl-folate + topical E2 patch stabilize cycle and abolish migraines. -
Oncology Recurrence Monitoring
Quarterly HUMAP panels in ER+ breast-cancer survivor guide weight loss, flaxseed lignans, and calcium-D-glucarate, maintaining protective metabolic ratios for 4 years.
7 | Collection Logistics, Turn-Around, and Cost
Parameter | Details |
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Sample type | 4-spot dried urine cards or chilled 24 h liquid collection. |
Preparation | Avoid alcohol & supplements 48 h; freeze if shipping > 3 days. |
Analytical TAT | 7–10 business days portal delivery. |
Retail cost | $279-$389 depending on add-on labs |
CPT codes | 82542×N (each LC-MS analyte) or bundled 80299; check payer policy. |
Insurance | Not covered, you can try out-of-network self-filing |
8 | Interpreting Results—From Raw Numbers to Action Plans
Step 1: Check Reference Ranges (sex- and age-specific).
Step 2: Analyze Ratios
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2-OH vs. 16-OH for estrogen safety.
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5α vs. 5β for androgen dominance.
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Free vs. metabolized cortisol for adrenal reserve.
Step 3: Overlay Symptoms
Lab data without clinical context = noise. Match patterns: estrogen dominance symptoms + low 2 : 16 ratio validates plan.
Step 4: Craft Intervention
Imbalance | Evidence-Based Fix |
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Low 2 : 16 ratio | DIM 200 mg, crucifers, flaxseed lignans, magnesium. |
Sluggish COMT | Methyl-B12 1 mg, methyl-folate 1 mg, SAMe 200 mg. |
High 5α reductase | Saw palmetto 320 mg, nettle root, dutasteride. |
Cortisol > 17 μg/g Cr overnight | Phosphatidylserine 200 mg HS, ashwagandha, CBT-I. |
Step 5: Re-Test in 3–6 Months to document progress, adjust doses, and improve adherence.
9 | HUMAP vs. Other Urine Hormone Tests
Feature | HUMAP | DUTCH Complete | Basic 24-h Urine |
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# Metabolites | 40+ | 35 | 10-15 |
LC-MS/MS | ✔ | ✔ | Some labs ELISA |
COMT methylation ratios | ✔ | Partial | ✖ |
Creatinine normalization | ✔ | ✔ | Variable |
Neurotransmitter add-on | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
Report usability | Heat-map + algorithmic summary | Graphical charts | Numeric only |
Why choose HUMAP? Broader analyte panel, COMT insights, and neurotransmitter option make it a swiss-army knife for integrative practices.
10 | Limitations, Insurance, and Best-Practice Consent
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Not a stand-alone diagnostic for cancer—should complement imaging/biopsy.
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Phase III metabolites (glucuronidation, sulfation) not directly measured; consider genetics or serum bilirubin for deeper detox insight.
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Some SSRI/SNRI meds skew neurotransmitter readings; note in chart.
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FDA categorizes HUMAP as an LDT; quality relies on CLIA & CAP accreditation, not pre-market approval.
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Obtain informed consent outlining off-label nature and potential out-of-pocket cost.
11 | Key Take-Home Points
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HUMAP offers the most comprehensive urinary view of hormones and metabolites available in 2025.
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It excels for estrogen-dominance, PCOS, HRT titration, adrenal evaluation, and cancer-risk surveillance.
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LC-MS/MS accuracy plus creatinine indexing ensure high reproducibility for longitudinal tracking.
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Results translate into actionable nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement protocols, driving personalized medicine forward.
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Pair HUMAP with follow-up panels every 3–6 months to verify interventions, optimize dosing, and empower patient engagement.
12 | Scientific References
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Doctor’s Data. Hormone & Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HUMAP) Technical Guide. 2025. (Doctor's Data, Doctor's Data)
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Rupa Health. HuMAP™ Overview and Sample Report. 2025. (Rupa Health, Life Extension)
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Moore SC et al. Urinary estrogen metabolites and breast-cancer risk. J Clin Oncol. 2024. (DUTCH Test)
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ZRT Laboratory. Estrogen Metabolites Information Guide. 2024. (ZRT Laboratory)
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Bradlow HL et al. 2-Hydroxyestrone:16α-Hydroxyestrone ratio and breast-cancer risk. Endocr Relat Cancer. 2023. (PMC)
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Sánchez-Blanco C et al. COMT polymorphisms in hormone metabolism and breast cancer. Cancer Letters. 2025. (PMC)
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Fitzgerald K. Urinary hormone metabolite testing and breast-cancer prevention. Integr Med Rev. 2025. (Dr. Kara Fitzgerald)
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Life Extension Labs. Hormone & Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile. 2024. (Life Extension)
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RN Labs. HUMAP Plus Neurotransmitters Patient Guide. 2025. (RN Labs)
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Baritz Wellness. Measuring Urinary Estrogen Metabolites for Cancer Risk Assessment. 2024. (Baritz Wellness)