Description
Menstrual Cycle Mapping
A specialized menstrual cycle tracking test that measures key hormone metabolites in urine daily (or every other day) throughout an entire menstrual cycle.
What does this test measure?
It quantifies:
- Estrone-3-glucuronide (E1G, a urinary estrogen metabolite)
- Pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PDG, a progesterone metabolite)
- Sometimes LH (luteinizing hormone) in sequential urine samples
By plotting these levels, the test maps out the estrogen rise and fall, the LH surge (indicating ovulation), and the post-ovulation progesterone rise, providing a detailed picture of the cycle’s dynamics.
Who is this test most suitable for?
- Women trying to conceive
- Women discontinuing birth control and tracking return of ovulation
- Athletes or very low BMI (who may have cycle disturbances)
Clinical Use
It is very useful for women with infertility or cycle irregularities – it can confirm whether and when ovulation occurs, whether the estrogen peak and progesterone production are sufficient, and reveal luteal phase defects. Essentially, it’s like an extended ovulation test combined with hormone analysis, helping to diagnose issues like anovulatory cycles or short luteal phases.
