DUTCH Cycle Mapping™ measures the variation patterns of estrogens and progesterone at multiple points during the menstrual cycle, using dried urine samples. Hormone values are reported as metabolites and creatinine-normalized, providing insight into hormonal evolution over time, comparable to information obtained from 24-hour urine collections, without requiring urine collection throughout the day.
This approach can be clinically useful when a single hormone measurement taken on a specific day does not adequately reflect the dynamics of the menstrual cycle. Monitoring estrogen and progesterone fluctuations throughout the cycle allows specialists to observe hormonal synchronicity patterns, relative increases and decreases in hormone levels, and their consistency between different phases of the cycle, aspects that can be associated with menstrual cycle regularity or hormone-related symptoms.
Typically, specialists interpret Cycle Mapping results in conjunction with menstrual history, symptom monitoring, lifestyle factors, and other relevant laboratory results. When analyzing the results, attention is given to cycle length, timing of ovulation, recent contraceptive use, and the individual context of each person.
Recommended for:
-
Fertility evaluation: difficulties in achieving pregnancy or analysis of hormone patterns associated with the menstrual cycle.
-
Menstrual cycle variability: irregular menstrual cycles or uncertainty regarding cycle length.
-
Ovulation timing: difficulties in identifying the ovulation period or in evaluating luteal phase consistency.
-
Hormonal symptoms: premenstrual syndrome (PMS), intermenstrual bleeding around ovulation, or menstrual cycle-related migraines.
-
Gynecological history: partial hysterectomy with ovarian preservation or endometrial ablation.
-
Intrauterine devices (IUDs): use of a Mirena hormonal IUD, accompanied by persistent hormonal symptoms despite the absence of menstrual bleeding.
-
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): presence of PCOS with variable or unpredictable menstrual cycles.
-
Testing timing difficulties: uncertainty regarding the optimal testing period due to very long or very short cycles.
-
Transition period after contraceptives: hormonal changes occurring after discontinuing hormonal contraceptives.
