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The thyroid gland may be small, but it plays a monumental role in maintaining your body’s health. Located in the neck and shaped like a butterfly, this endocrine powerhouse regulates everything from metabolism to mood through the hormones it produces. Yet, thyroid hormone imbalances often go unnoticed—despite affecting millions. According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime, and up to 60% of those affected may not even know it. These disorders are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked, often dismissed as symptoms of stress, ageing, or other common conditions....

Hormone testing is a critical tool in modern healthcare, guiding everything from fertility treatment to hormone replacement therapy. While blood testing has long been the traditional route, saliva testing has rapidly emerged as a scientifically validated, convenient, and non-invasive alternative—offering clinical accuracy with ease of use. But how reliable is it really?  The Scientific Foundation of Saliva Testing Saliva testing isn't just a novel idea—it's backed by science. Over 600 peer-reviewed studies in 2012 alone have utilised salivary analysis to measure hormone levels, with results showing a strong correlation to conventional serum (blood) tests. So, how does it work? In the bloodstream,...

You’ve probably heard of menopause, the well-known life stage where women experience a significant hormonal transition. But what about men? It might come as a surprise, but men go through a similar midlife shift known as andropause—often referred to as “male menopause.” While less talked about, andropause is just as real and just as impactful. ZRT Laboratory has tested over 150,000 men navigating the effects of hormone decline. Findings are clear: the gradual drop in hormones like testosterone plays a major role in many of the issues men face in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. What Exactly is Andropause? As men...

By Dr.Tracy Tranchitella, ND-ZRT Laboratory Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has become a primary cause of chronic liver disease, impacting a large portion of the global population. NAFLD is characterized by the buildup of excess fat in the liver, unrelated to alcohol use, and is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome—a group of conditions that raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Factors contributing to metabolic syndrome may also play a role in the development of NAFLD, but underlying endocrine disorders can further drive the onset and progression of this widespread liver condition. Moreover, environmental and chemical toxins may...

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...