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

Why does weight gain accelerate at menopause? Can estrogen dominance cause low cortisol? Is saliva testing better than blood? Hormone Health Educator Candace Burch of ZRT Laboratory answers the most common questions from women struggling with hormone-related weight gain — covering everything from adrenal fatigue and vitamin D deficiency to birth control, bioidentical progesterone and why “your hormones are fine” from a standard blood test may not tell the whole story.

Many women going through menopause notice changes in their ability to remember things — and this is not just in their heads. A small, seahorse-shaped structure in the brain called the hippocampus is highly dependent on estrogen for synaptic plasticity, memory formation and neuroprotection. In this article, Margaret Groves of ZRT Laboratory explains the science behind menopause-related memory changes, why estrogen receptor expression declines with age, and why the “window of opportunity” for hormone replacement is critical to preserving cognitive function.

Imbalances in estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and cortisol — brought on by ageing, diet and modern-day stress — are key drivers of the obesity epidemic. Learn how your hormones influence fat distribution and weight regulation, and how at-home hormone testing can help you take control.

Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples worldwide — yet many are rushing into expensive IVF without first addressing the hormonal imbalances that may be silently undermining their chances. In this wide-ranging clinical discussion, Dr. Alison McAllister of ZRT Laboratory shares her expertise on the hormonal causes of infertility in both men and women, the key tests that are too often missed, and the complementary strategies that can dramatically improve outcomes.

Persistent skin problems — from acne and dryness to unwanted hair growth and premature wrinkling — are often rooted in hormone imbalance. Oestrogen, testosterone, DHT, progesterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol and vitamin D all play distinct roles in skin health. This article explains the connections and how hormone testing can help identify the underlying cause.