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

Acne, a common skin condition affecting people worldwide, often requires tailored treatment based on its severity. Various treatment options, from over-the-counter remedies to prescription medications, cater to different forms and stages of acne. Understanding these treatment methods is vital for effective management and clearer skin.  Over-the-Counter Solutions: For Mild Acne: Initial episodes of acne, characterised by a few blackheads, whiteheads, and spots, can often be managed with guidance from pharmacists. Over-the-counter gels or creams containing benzoyl peroxide are recommended for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Prescription Medications: Moderate to Severe Acne: If acne persists or worsens despite over-the-counter treatments, seeking...

Diagnosing acne goes beyond a mere visual examination, determining its severity and potential underlying causes. This comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional helps tailor appropriate treatments to alleviate symptoms effectively.  Diagnostic Process: A General Practitioner (GP) conducts a thorough examination, observing the affected areas like the face, chest, or back to identify distinctive acne symptoms. The presence of blackheads, red nodules, or sore spots assists in categorizing acne severity. Assessing Acne Severity: The severity of acne typically falls into three categories, guiding the course of treatment: Mild Acne: Predominantly characterized by whiteheads and blackheads, occasionally accompanied by a few papules...

By Dr Beth Baldwin, ZRT Lab We are living in an age of insulin resistance. Excessive intake of calories and refined carbohydrates decreased physical activity, and chronic stress increases insulin secretion and decreases insulin sensitivity. This creates a vicious circle of requiring more and more insulin to shuttle glucose into cells. Years or possibly even decades before the elevations in blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C associated with type 2 diabetes, fasting insulin increases, and this high insulin is at the core of metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Recently published research suggests that insulin resistance also doubles the risk...

Heavy periods affect millions of women, yet the underlying causes are frequently misunderstood or left unaddressed. From oestrogen and progesterone imbalances to structural issues such as fibroids and adenomyosis, there are several well-established reasons why menstrual bleeding can become excessive. This article explains the physiology of the menstrual cycle, the most common causes of heavy periods, and how hormone testing can help identify what is driving your symptoms — so you can take informed steps towards better menstrual health.

When a patient with PCOS or weight issues is told “your blood sugar is normal,” the story is far from over. In this clinical article, Dr. Alison McAllister of ZRT Laboratory explains why insulin — not glucose — is the primary driver of PCOS symptoms, weight gain, testosterone and DHEAS excess, and cortisol dysfunction. Understanding the progression from insulin resistance to hyperinsulinemia to type 2 diabetes is essential for identifying and treating PCOS at the earliest possible stage.