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

By Dr. Kate Placzek, ZRT Laboratory Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe, cyclical condition that affects an estimated 3–8% of menstruating women. Unlike typical PMS, PMDD causes debilitating mood and physical symptoms in the week before menstruation — symptoms severe enough to interfere with work, relationships, and daily life. If you've been told your symptoms are "just PMS" but they feel far more intense, this guide explains what's really happening hormonally and what you can do about it. Is PMDD Worse than PMS? Yes — Significantly. PMS is common. PMDD is a different level entirely. While PMS involves manageable...

A family’s decision to become a “running family” transformed their two sons’ ADHD outcomes — no stimulants, no antidepressants, just daily exercise. Dr. Allison Smith explains the neuroscience behind why this works: from brain wave patterns and low sympathetic tone to dysfunctional cortisol rhythms and neurotransmitter imbalances. A compelling read for any parent or clinician looking beyond medication.

Explore the powerful connection between cortisol, melatonin, inflammation and circadian rhythms. Learn how disrupted hormone patterns may contribute to fatigue, insomnia, stress, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and even cancer risk. This article reviews the latest insights from ZRT Laboratory doctors on hormone testing, sleep biology, stress physiology and the importance of maintaining healthy daily hormone rhythms for long-term wellness.

A melanoma diagnosis changes everything — but it can also be the catalyst for a smarter, more proactive approach to skin health. In this personal account, Lissa Gienty of ZRT Laboratory shares her melanoma story and the evidence-based steps she now takes to protect herself, including optimising vitamin D and melatonin levels and monitoring her diurnal hormone rhythms.

  By Dr. Allison Smith, ZRT Laboratory I would like to thank everyone who joined in our webinar on the Role of Hormones in Sleep Disturbances!  There were a number of questions I wasn’t able to address due to time constraints but they were all excellent questions. I thought at least someone would be interested in a follow-up as I speak to the rest of the questions just as a little wrap-up. Q: Wouldn't it be nice to include Dried Urine Melatonin in your ZRT Comprehensive Profile, to be able to evaluate Morning Cortisol when low? Maybe it is low while...