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

A practical guide to the month-long urine collection schedule and the hormone markers included in cycle mapping.

A comprehensive guide to understanding hormone health—from adrenal function and thyroid balance to menopause, andropause, metabolism, and reproductive wellness. Learn how hormonal imbalances develop, how they affect energy, mood, weight, and overall wellbeing, and how modern testing methods like saliva, blood spot, and bioidentical therapies can support personalised health and long-term vitality.

By Dr. Sherry LaBeck, ZRT Laboratory  In 2008 ZRT Laboratory introduced the Fertility Profile to assist women in identifying possible hormonal causes of infertility. More recently ZRT launched the Menstrual Cycle Mapping(MCM) test that allows women to map time points throughout their menstrual cycle, measuring levels of estrogen, progesterone and luteinizing hormone (LH). Since the MCM test was introduced there has been some confusion as to which test is best to evaluate fertility/infertility. The aim of this blog is to clarify the differences between the two tests and when best to use each. Menstrual Cycle Mapping The MCM profile measures...

Vitex agnus-castus — also known as chasteberry or chaste tree berry — is one of the most widely used botanical remedies for female hormone imbalance. Clinical research supports its use for reducing elevated prolactin, correcting luteal phase progesterone deficiency, alleviating PMS and PMDD symptoms, and managing some symptoms of the menopausal transition. This article reviews the evidence behind Vitex, explains the hormonal mechanisms through which it works, and outlines when it may be an appropriate botanical option for women with menstrual cycle disturbances.