Blog — #Progesterone

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.

Title: Understanding CardioMetabolic Risk – A Silent Threat We Can’t Ignore The rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, and type 2 diabetes (DM2) is one of the most pressing health concerns of our time. CVD remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Alarmingly, obesity and insulin resistance—precursors to DM2—significantly increase the risk of developing CVD. Yet, these conditions are largely preventable with early detection and lifestyle changes. So, how can we spot the danger before it's too late? What is CardioMetabolic Risk? Cardiometabolic risk refers to a cluster of modifiable risk factors...

Fertility Mapping: Navigating Fertility with PCOS and Insulin Resistance (Part II)By Dr. Alison McAllister Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by disruptions in hormone receptors, metabolism, neurotransmitter function, and nutrient balance. As a lifelong disorder, PCOS is a leading contributor to infertility, weight gain, and an increased risk for cardiometabolic issues. In this blog post, we dive deeper into laboratory testing, helping healthcare providers understand which tests are critical for women suspected of having PCOS. Lab Testing for PCOS PCOS is most commonly diagnosed through the Rotterdam Criteria, a diagnostic framework that considers various indicators, including...

By Dr. Sherry LaBeck of ZRT Lab Perimenopause is the transition between a woman's reproductive years and menopause, characterized by a decline in estrogen levels, which can lead to physical and emotional symptoms. Understanding the role of estrogen during this phase is essential for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for women going through this transition. What is Perimenopause? Perimenopause typically begins in a woman's 40s, though some may experience symptoms as early as their mid-30s, which is known as premature menopause. During this phase, the ovaries produce less estrogen until menstruation stops, marking the onset of menopause....

In their conversation, McAvoy and Dr. Zava discuss his early research, the development of non-invasive hormone testing through saliva, and how this has revolutionized how clinicians understand hormone health. Dr. Zava also touches on his significant findings regarding the metabolism of estrogen and how lifestyle factors can influence cancer risk. He reflects on the challenges he faced in the early days of ZRT Laboratory, including financial struggles, but also shares the satisfaction of making a real difference in the lives of patients and healthcare providers.

For McAvoy, Dr. Zava’s work has been instrumental in shaping his own approach to patient care. ZRT's comprehensive hormone testing, including their Hormone Profile III, has helped countless practitioners like McAvoy identify hormonal imbalances and tailor treatments that improve patient well-being.

To learn more about Dr. Zava’s remarkable journey and the transformative work being done at ZRT Laboratory, read the full interview below.