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

Posted by Dr. Allison Smith, ZRT Laboratory. GABA - Gamma-aminobutyric acid, is the neurotransmitter known for its affinity for GABA receptors throughout the central nervous system (CNS). It acts to inhibit excitatory processes – whether they be normal or pathological. It's synthesized from the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in a process that requires vitamin B6 as a cofactor. The delicate balance in the brain between GABA and glutamate is orchestrated by shuttle systems from the Krebs Cycle, the presence of NMDA and GABA receptor modulators, enzyme cofactors, and reuptake mediators.   In the rest of the body, GABA plays a myriad of...

When we talk about “stress,” or allostatic load, in terms of the perception of an event, we must realize that these “events” must first be translated into neurochemical signals before they trigger the HPA axis. Therefore, the sensitivity and outcome of translating these events (whether they are ongoing events, memories of past events, or stressful anticipation of unrealized events), is highly dependent upon signaling from other neurotransmitters. In fact, the signaling neurotransmitters that manage mood and affect often overlap with measures of HPA axis activation, and cannot be easily distinguished in some subjects. [1] While the detailed influence of neurotransmitters, such...

An estimated 80% of adults will experience some level of adrenal fatigue in their lifetime — yet it remains one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in modern medicine. When the adrenal glands are chronically overtaxed, cortisol output drops, leaving the body unable to manage stress, stabilise blood sugar or mount immune defences. This article explores the symptoms, causes and what you can do to identify and address adrenal fatigue through targeted hormone testing.

Cortisol can be measured in saliva, blood and urine — but each method tells a different story. Saliva reflects bioavailable cortisol, blood measures total output, and dried urine captures the full circadian pattern. This article explains the clinical differences and helps you choose the right test.

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for preventing and treating depression — yet its neurochemical effects are still underappreciated. From boosting serotonin and dopamine to increasing GABA through yoga, physical activity reshapes the brain in ways that rival pharmaceutical interventions. This article explores the science behind exercise and mood, and what it means for your neurotransmitter health.