The DUTCH Cycle Mapping™ PLUS not only maps estrogen and progesterone through the monthly menstrual cycle, but also adds the comprehensiveness of all the hormone metabolites along with the cortisol awakening response (CAR).
Hormonal balance is key. Fluctuating levels of estradiol and progesterone play a major role in a woman’s overall health. This panel is designed for cycling women who struggle with ongoing symptoms such as monthly migraines, fertility issues, or PCOS. The addition of the cortisol awakening response (CAR), a transient, immediate rise in cortisol upon awakening (distinct from the diurnal rhythm), provides a fuller assessment of hormone fluctuations, baseline stress response, and reflects a patient’s ability to cope with anticipated challenges. CAR also shows a patient’s perception of control around chronic stress, providing insight into HPA resiliency.
When Is Cycle Mapping PLUS Recommended?
Women struggling with infertility
Women with cycling hormones and no menses
Partial hysterectomy (ovaries intact but no uterus)
Ablations
Women with irregular cycles
PCOS
If the luteal phase shifts from month-to-month
Not sure when to test due to long or short cycles
Women whose hormonal symptoms tend to fluctuate throughout the cycle
PMS, mid-cycle spotting, migraines, etc.
When Is Cycle Mapping PLUS Not Needed? (DUTCH Complete Is Sufficient)
Postmenopausal women
Women on birth control
Women with cycles that follow the expected pattern
What Can Including the DUTCH Plus and CAR Tell You?
Even though a patient may have “normal” free cortisol levels throughout the day, that does not always mean everything is functioning properly. The graph below shows two good examples. A blunted or exaggerated CAR can appear even when single samples return “normal” results. The HPA axis might not be appropriately responding when faced with a stressor, even when cortisol levels are fluctuating nicely throughout the day.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
