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The menstrual cycle is a symphony of hormones coordinated to yield an egg and to prepare the uterus and breast tissue for pregnancy. For most women, pregnancy will only take place in a very small percentage of cycles. However, the monthly surge and fall of hormones starting in menarche and ending in menopause influences the brain, breast and uterus of women and may result in numerous symptoms throughout the month. Menarche – The Beginning The menstrual cycle will start with menarche around the average age of 12.5 years — down from approximately 17 years of age approximately 100 years ago. [1] Most young girls...

If you are living in a country that has less Sun and you are not consuming good enough food that contain Vitamin D then you might be at risk of Vitamin D deficiency. If you have ever had your level of Vitamin D tested, depending on which lab you used, your report showing whether your level is low, normal, or high might have left you scratching your head. In fact, there are multiple agencies all with slightly different opinions on what levels are deficient, insufficient, sufficient, high, or toxic. When testing with ZRT, you will receive a result that is reflective...

Posted by Dr. Sherry LaBeck ZRT Lab Blog. Spices are the delightfully aromatic plants whose warming scents are a characteristic element of the winter season. In fact, there are five spices that evoke memories of sitting by the fire on cold nights, weekends of playing in the snow, and social gatherings that feature rich seasonal desserts and mulled wine.    A spice is harvested from the root, bark, seed or dried fruit of a tropical plant or tree. The aroma or flavor comes from essential oils. Many spices contain similar essential oils but in different proportions. These oils are released through the...

Original of this artickle was Posted by Dr Kate Placzek, on ZRT Laboratory. Keeping awake, throwing blankets off at night. Fatigue and irritation punctuated throughout the day by heat dissipating from every pore, clouding thoughts, reinforcing forgetfulness. Hair falling out so stubbornly fast. Clothes choosing when to fit. Flooding periods coming sporadically, unexpectedly. They call it “the change of life” – but I feel like a different person altogether. What is happening?          In perimenopause, the physiological landscape is subject to tremendous change with estradiol and progesterone at the heart of the transition. Progesterone levels fall quickly – no ovulation...

Now the weather is colder and days are shorter and we turn our sights to indoor activities for the holidays, many of us inevitably start thinking more about and comfort foods. This is the right time of year for festive feasting, but that doesn’t always have to mean heavy, unhealthy meals. Here are a few suggestions from our docs for holiday foods that don’t have to weigh you down. Fresh Green Bean Casserole Ingredients: 3-4 shallots, in their skins 1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt 1 lb fresh green beans, stemmed and halved crosswise 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (about 4 cups) 2 TB unsalted...