DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus: An Extensive Essential Test for Women’s Health

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While the pattern and intensity of fluctuations can vary from person to person, every woman’s hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. can influence various physical and emotional symptoms, such as mood changes, energy levels, and skin conditions. In some women, imbalances or irregular patterns may cause issues like heavy periods, irregular cycles, or symptoms of hormonal disorders. The DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus Test provides a detailed view of hormonal fluctuations, and identifies imbalances in key hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol.

Whether you’re seeking to understand menstrual irregularities, optimize fertility, or address symptoms of hormone imbalance, the DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus Test offers valuable insights that can guide personalized treatment and lifestyle adjustments. You can order a DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus Test online without a prescription.

Test Description

The DUTCH Cycle Mapping™ PLUS is a comprehensive hormone test that helps you understand how your hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. By analyzing urine samples collected at specific points in your cycle, the test measures hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other byproducts of these hormones. It also looks at your cortisol awakening response (CAR), which tells us how your body reacts to stress first thing in the morning.

These hormones play a big role in your overall well-being, and understanding how they change during your cycle can reveal a lot about your health. For instance, estrogen and progesterone regulate your menstrual cycle and can impact everything from your mood to your energy levels. When these hormones are out of balance, it can lead to symptoms like irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, or conditions like PCOS. Testosterone levels are important too, especially for identifying issues like acne or excessive hair growth, which can be signs of hormone imbalances.

The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is another important marker, as it helps us understand how your body handles stress. Stress can throw off your hormone balance, affecting everything from your sleep to your mood. By tracking how your cortisol levels change throughout the day, this test can give insight into your body’s stress resilience and how it might be impacting your overall health.

By mapping these hormones, the DUTCH Cycle Mapping™ PLUS test can help pinpoint the cause of persistent symptoms, whether it’s related to fertility, stress, or hormone imbalances. It provides a clear picture of your unique hormonal patterns, allowing you and your healthcare provider to create a more personalized plan for better health and well-being.

Markers

16-Hydroxyestrone: This form of estrogen is often associated with a higher risk of hormone-driven cancers, such as breast cancer, due to its potentially harmful effects on cells. Monitoring its levels can help assess whether someone might be at increased risk for these types of conditions.
2-Hydroxyestradiol: A less potent form of estrogen, 2-Hydroxyestradiol is believed to have protective effects, particularly against estrogen-related cancers. Measuring its levels can help determine if estrogen is acting in a safer, less harmful way in the body.
2-Hydroxyestrone: This is another protective form of estrogen that is typically considered safer for the body compared to other forms like 16-Hydroxyestrone. A higher ratio of 2-Hydroxyestrone can indicate a healthier hormonal environment and lower cancer risk.
2-Methoxyestrone: This estrogen metabolite is thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It plays a role in protecting cells from DNA damage, potentially reducing the risk of hormone-related cancers.
3-Hydroxyisovaleric Acid: A product of amino acid metabolism, this marker can provide insights into the body’s overall metabolic health. Elevated levels might indicate issues with protein breakdown or absorption, affecting overall energy and health.
4-Hydroxyestradiol: A more reactive and potentially harmful form of estrogen, 4-Hydroxyestradiol is associated with a higher risk of cancer due to its ability to damage DNA. Monitoring this metabolite helps to assess whether estrogen might be promoting undesirable changes in the body.
4-Hydroxyestrone: Similar to 4-Hydroxyestradiol, 4-Hydroxyestrone is a potent estrogen metabolite that could contribute to DNA damage and increase cancer risk. Its presence in higher levels may suggest the need for intervention to maintain hormonal balance.
5a-Androstanediol: A byproduct of testosterone metabolism, this marker provides insights into the body’s balance of male hormones. It can indicate whether an individual has elevated or imbalanced androgen levels, which may contribute to issues like acne or hair loss.
5a-Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): DHT is a more active and potent form of testosterone, important in the development of male traits but also linked to hair loss and prostate issues. High levels of DHT can lead to symptoms like thinning hair or enlarged prostate in men.
5b-Androstanediol: This metabolite of testosterone is less potent than DHT and is often used to evaluate the body’s androgen metabolism. Imbalances can suggest hormone-related health concerns, including changes in muscle mass or libido.
8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine: This marker indicates oxidative stress and potential DNA damage, often as a result of free radicals. Elevated levels may be linked to chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular conditions.
Androsterone: A metabolite of testosterone, androsterone helps assess the body’s androgen balance. It can be used to monitor hormone-related conditions and is linked to mood, muscle mass, and other features of physical health.
Cortisol Evening: Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone,” and its evening levels should typically be low to facilitate relaxation and sleep. High cortisol in the evening can interfere with sleep quality and recovery, indicating a potential imbalance in the body’s stress response.
Cortisol Morning – AM30: Cortisol levels naturally rise in the morning to help you wake up and face the day, peaking about 30 minutes after waking. Measuring this marker helps assess whether the body is adequately preparing for daily activities and handling stress effectively.
Cortisol Morning – AM60: A further check of cortisol levels an hour after waking, this measurement provides a more complete picture of the body’s stress response in the morning. A balanced cortisol pattern is essential for mental clarity and overall energy during the day.
Cortisol Night: Nighttime cortisol levels should be low, which helps the body enter a restful state and recover from the day’s stresses. Elevated cortisol at night can disrupt sleep patterns and indicate that stress is negatively affecting the body.
Cortisol Waking: This is a measure of cortisol just after waking up, reflecting the body’s ability to respond to stress at the start of the day. Imbalances in this level can affect energy, mood, and even the immune system.
Cortisone Evening: Cortisone is a less active form of cortisol, and its levels in the evening can give insight into how the body is winding down for the night. High levels might indicate that stress is interfering with the body’s ability to relax and recover.
Cortisone Morning – AM30: This marker evaluates cortisone levels 30 minutes after waking, helping to assess how well the body transitions from the night’s rest into the new day. Higher cortisone levels can indicate stress or improper cortisol metabolism.
Cortisone Morning – AM60: Measured one hour after waking, this provides a more complete understanding of the body’s stress hormone management early in the day. Abnormal cortisone levels may signal issues with how the body handles stress or regulates cortisol.
Cortisone Night: The body should convert cortisol to cortisone in the evening, allowing it to relax and prepare for sleep. High cortisone at night may suggest the body’s stress response is not switching off as it should.
Cortisone Waking: This marker helps assess cortisone levels right after waking up, offering a glimpse into the balance between cortisol and cortisone at the start of the day. Abnormal readings may indicate that stress is impacting the body’s morning routine.
DHEA-S: DHEA-S is a hormone that supports energy, mood, and vitality, often referred to as the “anti-aging hormone.” Measuring its levels helps assess how the body is managing stress and aging, as it can also impact sex drive and overall hormonal balance.
Epi-Testosterone: This is a less active form of testosterone, and measuring it can offer clues about the overall balance of androgens in the body. It may help detect conditions related to testosterone imbalances, such as low libido or muscle mass changes.
Estradiol: Estradiol is the most potent form of estrogen and plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, and maintaining bone and cardiovascular health. Measuring estradiol levels helps assess fertility, hormonal balance, and overall health.
Estriol: This estrogen is produced during pregnancy and is important for monitoring reproductive health in pregnant women. Measuring estriol can also provide information on how the body is responding to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Estrone: Estrone is a weaker form of estrogen that is more commonly found in postmenopausal women. Although less potent, it still plays a role in overall hormonal balance and can be measured to assess the body’s estrogen production after menopause.
Etiocholanolone: A metabolite of testosterone, this marker helps assess the body’s androgen levels and hormone metabolism. Elevated levels might suggest an imbalance in male hormones, which could contribute to symptoms such as acne or hair loss.
Homovanillic Acid: This is a breakdown product of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, motivation, and focus. Measuring homovanillic acid levels can offer insights into the health of the brain and nervous system, particularly in relation to mood disorders.
Indican: Indican is produced when harmful bacteria in the gut break down food. High levels may indicate digestive issues, gut imbalances, or infections that need to be addressed for better overall health.
Kynurenic Acid: This marker plays a role in brain health and inflammation, especially in relation to mood and cognitive function. Elevated levels can be linked to conditions such as depression or neurodegenerative diseases.
Melatonin: Known as the “sleep hormone,” melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles and helps the body recover overnight. Measuring melatonin levels can reveal insights into sleep patterns, jet lag, and overall circadian rhythm health.
Metabolized Cortisol: This is the byproduct of cortisol breakdown and can help assess how effectively your body is managing and clearing cortisol, the stress hormone. Imbalances can suggest issues with chronic stress or improper hormone regulation.
Methylmalonic Acid: Elevated levels of this acid often indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause fatigue, mood changes, and cognitive issues. Testing for methylmalonic acid helps identify potential nutritional deficiencies that might affect overall health.
Progesterone: Progesterone is a hormone that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy. It balances the effects of estrogen and is vital for maintaining a healthy reproductive system and overall hormonal health.
Pyroglutamic Acid: This marker reflects the body’s ability to handle oxidative stress and inflammation. Elevated levels might indicate an imbalance in antioxidant defense mechanisms or an ongoing stress response.
Quinolinic Acid: A marker linked to inflammation and brain function, quinolinic acid is often elevated in conditions like depression or neurodegeneration. Its levels provide insight into how well the brain is coping with stress and inflammatory processes.
Testosterone: Testosterone is the primary male hormone, responsible for muscle mass, libido, and energy levels in both men and women. Measuring testosterone can reveal whether androgen levels are in balance or contributing to symptoms like fatigue or low libido.
Vanillylmandelic Acid: This is a breakdown product of adrenaline and norepinephrine, hormones that help the body respond to stress. Elevated levels may indicate overactive stress responses or problems with the adrenal glands.
Xanthurenic Acid: Produced during the breakdown of tryptophan, xanthurenic acid is associated with mood and brain health. Higher levels can indicate nutritional imbalances or issues with the body’s response to stress.
a-Pregnanediol: This is a metabolite of progesterone, and its levels are particularly useful for assessing the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Measuring it can provide insight into progesterone levels and how they might affect fertility and menstrual regularity.
a-Tetrahydrocortisol: A metabolite of cortisol, a-Tetrahydrocortisol helps assess how cortisol is processed and how the body responds to stress over time. Elevated levels could suggest prolonged stress or an issue with cortisol regulation.
b-Pregnanediol: Another progesterone metabolite, b-Pregnanediol levels are used to assess the balance of progesterone during the luteal phase. Imbalances might indicate irregular cycles, difficulty conceiving, or hormonal disturbances.
b-Tetrahydrocortisol: This is another byproduct of cortisol metabolism, providing insight into how the body is breaking down cortisol. Elevated levels can indicate chronic stress or problems with cortisol regulation, affecting health and well-being.
b-Tetrahydrocortisone: This metabolite of cortisol helps assess how cortisol is processed by the body. It plays a role in understanding how the body manages stress and how stress hormones are cleared from the system.

Who Should Consider This Test?

Women experiencing fertility issues: The DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test can provide detailed insights into hormone imbalances, such as estrogen and progesterone levels, that may be affecting fertility. It can also help identify irregular ovulation or luteal phase defects, which are common causes of difficulty getting pregnant.
Women with irregular menstrual cycles: If you have inconsistent cycles, this test can help pinpoint the root cause, whether it’s hormonal imbalance, stress, or a condition like PCOS. It can track estrogen, progesterone, and other key hormones throughout the cycle to identify disruptions.
Women diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): For women with PCOS, the DUTCH test can help assess the levels of testosterone and other hormones like DHEA-S and androgens, which are often elevated in PCOS. This helps understand the severity of the condition and guide treatment.
Women undergoing menopause or perimenopause: The test can provide insights into the levels of estrogen (estrone) and progesterone, and whether the hormonal shifts during menopause or perimenopause are balanced. It’s particularly helpful in managing symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
Women experiencing mood swings or anxiety related to hormonal imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations are often linked to mood disorders, especially around the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, or postpartum. This test can track cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone levels, helping to identify imbalances contributing to mood issues.
Women with symptoms of estrogen dominance (e.g., breast tenderness, heavy periods, bloating): If you’re experiencing symptoms like those, the DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test can help assess estrogen metabolism and identify if you’re producing too much estrogen or not enough progesterone to balance it.
Women with a history of hormone-related cancers (e.g., breast cancer): For individuals with a higher risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer, monitoring hormone metabolites like 16-hydroxyestrone and 2-hydroxyestrone is essential to understand how estrogen is being processed and if it’s potentially harmful.
Women with high stress or adrenal dysfunction: If you’re dealing with chronic stress, fatigue, or insomnia, the DUTCH test can help assess cortisol and cortisone levels throughout the day, including the cortisol awakening response (CAR). This helps gauge how well your body is handling stress and whether stress hormones are disrupting your overall health.
Women experiencing sleep disturbances: Since the DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test also measures melatonin, it can provide valuable insights into your sleep-wake cycle, helping to identify if hormonal imbalances are disrupting sleep.
Individuals with autoimmune disorders or chronic inflammation: For people with chronic inflammatory conditions or autoimmune diseases, the DUTCH test can track markers like kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid, which are linked to inflammation and stress response in the body. These markers can provide insight into how inflammation may be impacting hormonal balance.
Women with signs of excess androgen (e.g., acne, hair loss, or hirsutism): This test can measure testosterone and its metabolites, such as 5a-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), to help identify if excess androgens are contributing to symptoms like acne or hair loss.
Individuals with skin issues like acne or oily skin: Elevated levels of androgens (such as testosterone or DHT) are often linked to skin issues like acne or oily skin. The DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test can help identify these imbalances and guide treatment to manage skin health.
Women with thyroid issues: While not specifically a thyroid test, hormonal imbalances related to estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol can affect thyroid function. This test can provide information that may help uncover underlying hormonal causes of thyroid dysfunction.
Individuals with chronic fatigue or low energy: The DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test can help identify hormonal imbalances, such as low cortisol or DHEA-S, which might be contributing to persistent fatigue and low energy levels. By understanding these patterns, appropriate treatment options can be tailored.
Women dealing with postpartum issues: After childbirth, many women experience hormonal imbalances, including fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels, which can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. This test can help monitor these levels and provide insights into postpartum recovery.
Individuals with metabolic issues or weight gain: Hormonal imbalances, particularly involving cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone, can affect metabolism and weight management. The DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test can help determine if hormonal imbalances are contributing to unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
Individuals with chronic or unexplained inflammation: This test measures markers of inflammation, like quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid, which can reveal underlying chronic inflammatory conditions that might be impacting hormone balance and overall health.
Women with endometriosis: The DUTCH test can be useful for women with endometriosis, as it helps evaluate estrogen dominance, progesterone levels, and estrogen metabolism. This can guide treatment approaches to better manage the symptoms of endometriosis.
Individuals considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT): If you are exploring hormone replacement therapy for menopause or other conditions, the DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test can provide a baseline to see where your hormone levels currently stand. This helps monitor the effectiveness of HRT and ensure it’s optimized for your unique needs.
Athletes or individuals with high physical stress: For those undergoing intense physical training, the DUTCH test can monitor how stress (both physical and mental) impacts hormone production, particularly cortisol, DHEA, and testosterone. It helps assess whether the body is under excessive stress or if recovery strategies need to be adjusted.
Individuals with digestive issues: This test can provide valuable insights into gut health by measuring markers like indican, which reflect the balance of gut bacteria. This can be useful for individuals with chronic bloating, constipation, or other digestive concerns linked to hormonal imbalances.
People with mental health concerns linked to hormonal imbalances: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings can often be linked to imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. The DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test helps identify these imbalances and tailor mental health management accordingly.
Individuals with a history of breast cancer or hormone-sensitive cancers: For those with a personal or family history of hormone-sensitive cancers (like breast or ovarian cancer), this test can help track estrogen metabolism and identify markers that may indicate an increased risk of cancer recurrence or development.
Women with unexplained hair loss or thinning: This test can be helpful in determining if hormonal imbalances such as excess testosterone (DHT) are causing hair thinning or loss. It can also help monitor androgens and other hormone levels involved in hair health.
Individuals with high cholesterol or cardiovascular concerns: Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol have a direct impact on heart and vascular health. The DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test can provide insights into how hormonal imbalances might be influencing lipid levels and cardiovascular risk.
Individuals undergoing IVF or assisted reproductive technology (ART): For those undergoing IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies, the DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test can be a helpful tool to assess hormonal function and optimize the chances of success by providing a clear picture of hormonal balance before treatment.
Individuals with thyroid imbalances or hypothyroidism: This test isn’t specifically for thyroid health, but imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol can affect thyroid function. The test can provide a fuller picture of overall hormone health and identify potential thyroid disruptions caused by other hormonal imbalances.
Individuals experiencing chronic stress or burnout: If you feel chronically stressed, fatigued, or overwhelmed, the DUTCH test can provide a detailed view of your cortisol and stress hormone levels. This is crucial for identifying burnout and understanding how chronic stress may be impacting your overall hormonal health.
Individuals with chronic pain or fibromyalgia: Chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia can be affected by hormonal imbalances, particularly in cortisol and other stress-related hormones. The DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test can help evaluate if hormonal factors are contributing to pain sensitivity and chronic fatigue.
Individuals with chronic headaches or migraines: Hormonal fluctuations are a common trigger for headaches or migraines, particularly in women. The DUTCH test can help identify any hormone imbalances or sensitivities that may be contributing to frequent headaches.
People with symptoms of metabolic syndrome: Symptoms like high blood sugar, high blood pressure, or excess belly fat often point to metabolic syndrome, which can be influenced by cortisol, insulin resistance, and other hormones. The DUTCH test can help track how these hormones might be affecting your metabolic health.
Individuals interested in preventive health and hormone optimization: Even if you’re not experiencing specific symptoms, those interested in proactively managing their health and optimizing hormone levels for overall well-being can benefit from the DUTCH Cycle Mapping Plus test. It provides a snapshot of your hormonal health and can help guide lifestyle changes.

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The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Functional medical tests and nutrition-related labs should be used as tools to support health and wellness under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Results from these tests should not replace professional medical advice or be interpreted without consulting a licensed practitioner familiar with your health history and needs. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before making changes to your diet, supplements, or health management plan.