In patients with irregular cycles, a single-day urine hormone collection is ideally done 5–7 days before expected menstruation, as this approximates mid-luteal phase — assuming ovulation occurs.
This timing captures peak progesterone and estradiol for assessing hormone balance.
In cases of anovulation or disrupted cycles (e.g., PCOS, post-OCP, perimenopause), this may not reflect a true luteal phase. In this case, providers should consider tracking ovulation via LH (luteinizing hormone) or BBT (basal body temperature) to time collection more precisely. If ovulation can't be confirmed, the results still offer clinical value — especially if interpreted alongside symptoms and cycle history.