Blog — wellness

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...

What is Cardiometabolic Risk? Cardiometabolic risk refers to a collection of conditions linked to obesity and insulin resistance that increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or both. These risks rarely occur in isolation—when one appears, others often follow. That’s why proactive screening is so important.

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...

In the intricate symphony of our body's functions, hormones play a pivotal role. Understanding the nuances of hormonal fluctuations throughout the day is crucial for comprehensive health assessment. Urinary Diurnal Hormones (UDH), a groundbreaking technique developed by ZRT, employing urine strips to capture the circadian rhythm of hormones. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of UDH, its profiles, and how it can shed light on various health concerns. Understanding Urinary Diurnal Hormones: ZRT has pioneered a technique utilizing urine strips for the circadian rhythm collection of hormones. By tailoring the collection periods to align with key points in a...