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

When it comes to men's hormonal health, one test is rarely enough. Explore why hormone profiles that measure multiple markers together are the most effective way to identify the root cause of symptoms.

In the realm of women's health, understanding the delicate balance of hormones is key to overall well-being. ZRT Laboratories introduces two comprehensive dried blood spot (DBS) profiles, Female Blood Profiles I & II, offering an alternative to saliva testing. In this blog, we'll delve into the significance of each profile, its components, and the myriad considerations they address for women seeking a thorough hormonal assessment. Decoding Female Blood Profile I: Designed for women who face challenges in producing sufficient saliva for testing or using sublingual hormones, Female Blood Profile I stands as a robust alternative to Saliva Profile I. This...

While menopause is a well-known phenomenon in women, many people are unaware that men also experience a similar hormonal decline known as andropause or the male menopause. Andropause is characterized by a decrease in testosterone levels as men age, leading to a range of physical and psychological changes. In this blog, we will explore the impact of andropause on men's health, the symptoms associated with this condition, and the potential imbalances that contribute to it. The Hormonal Changes of Andropause As a man ages, his body naturally produces less testosterone, the primary male sex hormone responsible for maintaining various aspects...

  Clinical context: “Male menopause” is an informal term and is not equivalent to female menopause. Symptoms such as fatigue, low mood and reduced libido have many possible causes. Hormone testing measures levels; it is not itself a treatment. Assessment for testosterone deficiency usually includes symptoms and repeat morning serum testosterone measurements on separate days, with further tests selected by a clinician. Saliva and dried blood spot results should not be treated as interchangeable with diagnostic serum thresholds. As men age, they may experience a decline in testosterone levels which can lead to a range of symptoms commonly referred to...

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”...