Blog — hormone testing

The human microbiome and the endocrine system are deeply interconnected, engaging in a complex two-way conversation that influences everything from mood to metabolism. One of the most fascinating areas of this interaction centers on estrogen and the gut—a relationship governed by what’s now known as the estrobolome.

Alzheimer's disease is a slow and devastating condition that affects memory, cognition, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Sadly, women are disproportionately affected: by 2050, over 9 million out of 13.8 million Americans with Alzheimer’s will be women. But why are women at greater risk? The answers lie not only in longevity but in biology, hormones, brain structure, and how women respond to stress. What is Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, marked by the gradual loss of neurons and brain function. Characteristic features include the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, excessive neural pruning,...

Stress is something nearly all of us experience — in fact, 55% of Americans report feeling stressed daily, and the majority cite work or school as the primary cause. Among U.S. employees, a staggering 83% experience work-related stress, while students, from middle school to college, are increasingly feeling the pressure too. A significant number of college students even consider dropping out due to emotional strain.

Explore the vital role of estrogen in perimenopause, its impact on mood, sleep, heart and bone health, and the latest research on hormone therapy options.

Infertility is an increasingly common issue, affecting over 22% of married women who struggle to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. While physical causes like anovulation, tubal damage, or endometriosis account for many cases, hormonal imbalances are often overlooked yet highly treatable contributors to infertility. The ZRT Fertility Profile offers a comprehensive and convenient way to evaluate hormone levels that are essential for conception and pregnancy maintenance. By testing markers like FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol, this profile helps identify conditions such as ovarian insufficiency, luteal phase deficiency, PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and stress-related hormonal disruption. Samples can be collected easily at home through fingerstick blood and saliva on specific days of the menstrual cycle, ensuring accurate and timely results. Early identification of hormonal imbalances empowers women to take corrective action—often through simple lifestyle changes or targeted therapies—before turning to more invasive fertility treatments. Whether you’ve been trying to conceive without success, experienced recurrent miscarriages, or are planning ahead for pregnancy, ZRT’s Fertility Profile provides critical insights to help you and your healthcare provider take proactive steps toward reproductive health and success.