Blog — #Hormones

Stress, Cortisol, and the Hormonal Loop of Anxiety When the body perceives danger, the brain activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis — an internal alarm that releases cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. For short-term challenges, cortisol is beneficial. It sharpens focus, boosts energy, and prepares muscles for quick action — the classic “fight or flight” response that once ensured survival. When Stress Becomes Chronic Trouble begins when stress never switches off. Prolonged cortisol exposure interferes with healthy brain function, damaging neurons in the hippocampus (responsible for memory) and the prefrontal cortex (which governs decision-making and emotional control). As these areas...

When Hormones Shape the Mind Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that quietly influence not only our bodies but also our thoughts and emotions. While neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine often get the spotlight for controlling mood, science now shows that hormones can have just as much impact on mental well-being. 1. The Emotional Swing of Oestrogen and Progesterone Women often experience emotional changes before menstruation, after childbirth, or during menopause. These phases involve major shifts in oestrogen and progesterone. Before menstruation: Falling oestrogen can lower serotonin, leading to irritability or sadness. After childbirth: A sudden hormone drop can trigger postpartum...

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells in the nervous system. A balanced level of these neurotransmitters is essential for overall health. When imbalanced, they can cause neurological or psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, or insomnia.

ZRT offers a unique approach to neurotransmitter testing, analyzing 14 key neurotransmitters and metabolites to provide a comprehensive view of your neurochemistry. Unlike other labs, ZRT combines parent neurotransmitter levels with their downstream metabolites, ensuring accurate results and more effective treatment plans. This comprehensive testing, available exclusively through ZRT, helps identify systemic patterns that may be contributing to your health issues.

Neurotransmitter imbalances are often linked to common conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PMS. ZRT’s testing also examines the influence of hormones, heavy metals, and nutritional elements, offering a more complete and precise understanding of your health.

For the most accurate and convenient testing, ZRT's dried urine method allows for discreet, at-home collection—no need for all-day urine collection. The dried strips are easy to mail back, providing a hassle-free way to assess your neurotransmitter levels.

To explore all neurotransmitter tests, click the link below.

In the realm of healthcare, understanding the intricate balance of hormones within the human body is essential for maintaining optimal health. The science behind hormone testing plays a crucial role in providing valuable insights for healthcare providers. From traditional blood samples to innovative at-home collection methods, advancements in testing techniques have revolutionized the way we monitor hormone levels. In this blog, we will explore the techniques employed to measure hormones and how ZRT has pioneered convenient, at-home collection methods for comprehensive testing. ZRT Laboratory specializes in the scientific aspects of testing. Hormones, originating from various endocrine glands such as ovaries,...

  In the realm of healthcare diagnostics, testing for various hormonal levels holds significant importance in understanding an individual's health. Traditionally, blood testing has been the norm for assessing hormone levels. However, the emergence of saliva testing has brought about a new dimension in evaluating hormones. Saliva testing provides a non-invasive and convenient method for individuals to collect their samples, allowing for a more accurate representation of bioavailable hormones – those readily accessible to target tissues. The Significance of Saliva Testing Saliva testing measures the unbound, bioavailable fraction of hormones, which stands in contrast to blood tests that often reflect...