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

Fertility is profoundly influenced by hormonal balance. This article explores the key hormones involved in conception, the signs of hormonal fertility issues, and how testing can provide clarity for those trying to conceive.

Infertility is an increasingly common issue, affecting over 22% of married women who struggle to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. While physical causes like anovulation, tubal damage, or endometriosis account for many cases, hormonal imbalances are often overlooked yet highly treatable contributors to infertility.  reproductive health and success.

For many, the journey to parenthood can be difficult, especially for those facing infertility. PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) affects about 10% of women, and around 80% of them will experience infertility. Although some women with PCOS conceive naturally, others require medical assistance. Recent research has deepened our understanding of PCOS, revealing that it’s not just a reproductive disorder but a complex condition involving hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, and metabolic disturbances. Key findings include: Hormonal Imbalances: Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of androgens (like testosterone and DHEA), which affect hormone receptor function. Beyond the Ovaries: PCOS is a lifelong...

By Dr. Alison McAllister, ND Becoming a parent is a dream that can sometimes feel out of reach, especially for those facing infertility. For many, the path to parenthood is fraught with challenges. Infertility affects one in six individuals, with a significant portion stemming from female factors. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one such factor, impacting around 10% of women and making conception a struggle for approximately 80% of them. Recent advancements have deepened our understanding of PCOS, revealing it as more than just an ovarian issue. Here are some key insights: Complex Hormonal Imbalances: PCOS involves elevated androgens like...

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...