Saliva hormone testing is one of the most accurate and convenient ways to measure bioavailable hormones — the fraction that is actually active in your body's tissues. Unlike standard blood tests, which measure total hormone levels including protein-bound fractions that cells cannot use, saliva testing captures only the free, unbound hormones that drive real physiological effects. This guide explains how saliva testing works, which hormones it measures, why it is clinically superior for monitoring hormone therapy, and how to choose the right test for your health goals.
Thinning hair is more than a cosmetic concern — it is often a signal of something happening internally. From stress and cortisol to menopause, thyroid dysfunction, PCOS and nutritional deficiencies, hormones play a central role in hair health. Dr. Kate Placzek breaks down the science behind hormonal hair loss and what you can do about it.
In this blog, I want to focus mainly on how cannabis can affect your hormones, primarily through the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands, and the reproductive system. While cannabis is being legalized in more and more states, both the adverse and beneficial effects of its use are starting to be better understood. The active compound in cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is widely known to have effects on the brain, producing the “high” that many users are seeking. However, the other more adverse effects cannabis can have on the body are less widely known. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and How It...
The relationship between testosterone therapy and cardiovascular risk in men is one of the most debated topics in men's health. Headlines have warned of increased heart attack risk, yet the research tells a more nuanced story. Age, pre-existing cardiovascular disease, oestrogen levels, dosage, and delivery method all appear to play significant roles. This article examines the key findings from a major insurance-data study, explores the clinical questions it raises, and explains what men and their doctors should consider before starting or continuing testosterone therapy.
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.
