Hormone Health Hub: Expert Insights on Testing, Balance & Better Living — insulin resistance

For many, the journey to parenthood can be difficult, especially for those facing infertility. PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) affects about 10% of women, and around 80% of them will experience infertility. Although some women with PCOS conceive naturally, others require medical assistance. Recent research has deepened our understanding of PCOS, revealing that it’s not just a reproductive disorder but a complex condition involving hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, and metabolic disturbances. Key findings include: Hormonal Imbalances: Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of androgens (like testosterone and DHEA), which affect hormone receptor function. Beyond the Ovaries: PCOS is a lifelong...

By Dr. Alison McAllister, ND Becoming a parent is a dream that can sometimes feel out of reach, especially for those facing infertility. For many, the path to parenthood is fraught with challenges. Infertility affects one in six individuals, with a significant portion stemming from female factors. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one such factor, impacting around 10% of women and making conception a struggle for approximately 80% of them. Recent advancements have deepened our understanding of PCOS, revealing it as more than just an ovarian issue. Here are some key insights: Complex Hormonal Imbalances: PCOS involves elevated androgens like...

Insulin resistance is a growing metabolic concern linked to type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Learn how to recognise the key symptoms, discover how dried blood spot testing offers a convenient at-home diagnostic option, and explore effective treatment strategies to restore insulin sensitivity.

By Margaret Groves, ZRT Laboratory Low testosterone in older men, often referred to as “male menopause” or even “andropause” is fairly well known — and testosterone replacement therapy in this age group has not been without its share of controversy, particularly with respect to heart health. Proper testing and dosing are all-important, as well as understanding a man’s physiology and all the factors that affect testosterone levels. For example, when giving testosterone transdermally it is critical to use testing methods such as dried blood spot or saliva to properly assess absorption of testosterone into the body, avoiding the problem of overdosing to achieve “normal”...

Obesity is not simply a matter of calories in versus calories out. Chronic stress triggers a cascade of hormonal changes — elevated cortisol, depleted DHEA, disrupted leptin signalling and imbalanced sex hormones — that actively drive visceral fat storage and metabolic dysfunction. This article explains the biochemistry of stress-related weight gain and why understanding your hormone levels is key to breaking the cycle.