How I Use the DUTCH Cycle Mapping Test in Practice: A Guide for Women with PCOS

For women with PCOS, hormones can feel confusing, with irregular cycles, and uncertain fertility. Traditional blood tests often provide a snapshot that doesn’t capture the bigger picture, which is where the DUTCH Cycle Mapping test comes in.

In this post, I’ll explain what it is, how I use it with my clients, who it’s for, and the insights it can provide, helping you understand your hormones so you can take practical, personalised steps toward cycle balance, improved fertility and better overall health.

What is the DUTCH Cycle Mapping Test?

DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. Unlike a standard blood test that measures hormones on a single day, the DUTCH Cycle Mapping test tracks your hormone levels across your entire menstrual cycle.

It measures:

• Oestrogen metabolites – to see how your body processes oestrogen

• Progesterone and its metabolites – key for ovulation and supporting early pregnancy

• Androgens – including testosterone and DHEA

• Cortisol patterns – which can impact inflammation, insulin resistance, and weight

• Cycle length and ovulation timing – helping identify if ovulation is occurring

Who is the DUTCH Cycle Mapping Test For?

This test is particularly valuable for women who:

• Have irregular or absent cycles

• Suspect PCOS or have a prior PCOS diagnosis

• Have recently stopped hormonal contraception and want to restore natural cycles

• Are preparing for pregnancy or actively trying to conceive

• Experience hormonal symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, acne, or hair changes

For women with PCOS, it can highlight which hormones are driving symptoms, where cycles might be blocked, and how to support ovulation naturally.

How I Use DUTCH Cycle Mapping in Practice

1. Initial Consultation & History Review Before the test, I review your health history, cycle patterns, symptoms, and lifestyle factors. This helps identify what we want to learn from the DUTCH results.

2. Testing & Collection The test is simple and done at home. Clients collect dried urine samples over their cycle, which are then sent to the lab for analysis. This approach captures hormonal fluctuations across days, not just a single snapshot.

3. Interpreting the Results Once results are back, I analyse:

   • Oestrogen vs progesterone balance – Are levels supporting ovulation?

   • Androgen levels – Are they contributing to PCOS symptoms like acne or hair growth?

   • Metabolic hormone patterns – Is insulin resistance affecting cycle regularity?

   • Ovulation timing – Can we identify the fertile window and optimise nutrition around it?

4. Personalised Nutrition & Lifestyle Plan With these insights, I create a tailored plan:

   • Cycle-aware nutrition to support ovulation and hormone balance

   • Blood sugar and insulin support strategies for PCOS

   • Lifestyle adjustments for sleep, stress, and inflammation

   • Targeted nutrient and supplement recommendations if needed

5. Follow-Up & Monitoring Some clients benefit from retesting in 3–6 months to see how hormones respond to changes in diet, lifestyle, and supplementation.

Insights the DUTCH Cycle Mapping Test Can Provide

The test can reveal:

• Whether ovulation is occurring – crucial for fertility and cycle health

• Progesterone adequacy – low progesterone can lead to short luteal phases or difficulty conceiving

• Oestrogen metabolism patterns – identifying whether your body clears oestrogen efficiently or stores it in ways that cause inflammation or weight issues

• Androgen imbalances – helping guide interventions for PCOS symptoms

• Cortisol rhythm – showing whether stress or adrenal function is impacting cycle regularity

With this information, you can make evidence-based decisions rather than guessing, and implement strategies that are targeted, realistic, and practical for your lifestyle.

Why I Recommend It for Women with PCOS

For my PCOS clients, the DUTCH Cycle Mapping test is often insightful because:

• Traditional single-point blood tests may miss irregular ovulation or hidden progesterone deficiencies

• It helps prioritise nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes based on your unique hormone profile

• It reduces trial and error, you can take confident, evidence-based steps to support cycles and fertility

• It empowers women with PCOS to understand their body and plan for pregnancy at the right time

Practical Takeaways

If you’re considering the DUTCH Cycle Mapping test:

• Track your cycle and symptoms in advance for context

• Combine testing with personalised support — interpretation is key

• Use the results to guide realistic, manageable nutrition and lifestyle changes

• Repeat testing if needed to monitor progress

This is not a treatment in itself, it’s a tool to give you clarity and actionable insight, allowing you to support your body in the most effective way.

Next Steps

If you have PCOS, are planning pregnancy, or want to optimise your hormone health, the DUTCH Cycle Mapping test may be the step that finally gives you clarity.

Book a Zoom Call to discuss if this testing is right for you and how it can fit into your personalised nutrition preconception or fertility plan.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While I provide guidance based on my expertise as a BANT registered nutritionist and health coach, all health-related decisions should be made in consultation with your GP, specialist, or healthcare provider. Any changes to medication, supplements, or treatment plans should only be made under the supervision of a qualified medical professional. The suggestions outlined are intended to support general well-being and do not replace medical treatment or diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant lifestyle or dietary changes.