The DUTCH Cycle Mapping test analyzes the pattern of progesterone and estrogen throughout the menstrual cycle. This is done by collecting urine samples for around 25 days a month. This data is then collated to provide an overview of the hormone levels throughout that menstrual cycle.
This tests for problems with the metabolism of hormones, but so far, research has shown that it is not what causes PMDD. There is no evidence that those with PMDD have issues metabolizing estrogen or progesterone - If this were the case, research would show that individuals with PMDD have higher levels of estrogen or progesterone in the blood.
Many studies have tested this and have not found differences in blood levels of these hormones between patients with PMDD and controls.
Therefore this test might be useful if you are unsure if you have another issue - but such tests would provide results that appear ‘normal’ in those with PMDD (as it is a reaction in the brain to the hormone fluctuations, rather than the hormone levels/metabolism of those hormones).
So, for those solely with PMDD, this test would not make much sense. Research has shown that for estradiol and progesterone, the dried urine assay is a good surrogate for serum (blood) testing, so you may consider this testing if you have any of the following:
• Fertility issues
• Cycling hormones and no periods
• You have had a partial hysterectomy (ovaries intact but no uterus)
• Irregular cycles
• PCOS
• If your luteal phase shifts from month-to-month
• If you are not sure when to have blood tests due to long or short cycles
• Hormonal symptoms tend to fluctuate throughout the entire cycle
• PMS, mid-cycle spotting, migraines, etc.
Liisa Hantsoo, Ph.D. - IAPMD CAB & Clinical Psychologist & Assistant Professor at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Added June 2023