ZRT Laboratory

What people are saying about ZRT Lab...

…I have been prescribing bioidentical hormone replacement to my patients for approximately 4 years now. But it was not until I started doing saliva testing that I was able to truly safely and accurately do hormone balancing for my patients. During the last year I have used saliva hormone testing extensively. I have found the saliva hormone test reports to be scientifically accurate and valid. My patients appreciate the convenience of being able to collect their specimen at home and mail it directly to the lab without having a poke for a blood draw. I believe that Dr. Zava and the scientists at ZRT have a pretty impressive bibliography of studies that confirm my experience as to the testing's reliability and reproducibility. I have found that some insurances will cover the cost (which generally is about 40% of the cost of a blood test) and the test results are more accurate, since blood testing does not tell us how much of the hormones are present in an active state (being attached to sex hormone binding globulin and hence unavailable to the cell) in order to do what the hormone was designed to do. In addition I have made good use of the comments section of the test results which aid interpretation and subsequent treatment offered to my patients. - Dr. Gerald W. Miller, M.D., Beaverton, OR

…One HUGE bonus of working with ZRT Lab is that Dr. David Zava is a biochemist/researcher. I have become a better clinician providing accurate information to my patients using ZRT Lab. [His advice regarding] this one case has allowed me to re-evaluate treatment of several male clients and improve their outcome using saliva testing, a more reliable testing modality. - Carolyn R. Walker, MSN, ARNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, Urbandale, IA

...I have focused my study on the interactions and importance of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland and sex steroids. Recently, there have been two good books written on the subject by Dr. Steven Hotze (Hormones, Health, and Happiness) and Drs. Karilee and Richard Shames (Feeling Fat, Fuzzy, and Frazzled?). Both books do a great job of discussing this endocrine triad and why it is important to deal with all of these systems to ensure patient quality of life and health. Now back to the test. In one neat little package we can test Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA-S and four cortisol tests throughout a typical day to determine adrenal reserve. But the best part is that it also includes the complete thyroid panel -FREE T3, FREE T4, TSH, and TPO. I know that I am receiving a complete picture of my patient’s foundation of health that will give us a good starting point for their individualized protocol. I have used the combo kit for several patients with vague symptoms and “normal” blood testing only to find that, not only were they adrenally fatigued, but had low thyroid function as well. - Susan Merenstein, RPh., Bioidentical Hormone and Nutritional Therapies Specialist, Murray Ave Apothecary, Pittsburgh, PA

Bioidentical hormone treatment is the most important medical advance that I have added to my practice this year. Saliva hormone testing and bioidentical hormone management have greatly enhanced the well-being of my female patients. Over the years of practicing internal medicine, I had grown frustrated with the number of women that I couldn’t “fix” – women of all ages with night sweats, insomnia, weight gain, depression/anxiety, PMS, and symptoms of thyroid disease (but normal thyroid testing). I have found by using ZRT’s saliva testing as the guide to balancing my patient’s hormones, I am now able to more effectively and safely solve those problems. And, as the husband of a PMS-suffering wife who is now symptom-free on progesterone therapy, I can whole-heartedly say - Thank You ZRT. - Steven Jepson, M.D., Salt Lake City, Utah

...We enjoy ZRT Laboratory for so many reasons...just to mention a couple that come to mind are your service and your personal communication, whether it is getting quick questions answered by your staff and physicians or working with you (Education/Outreach Department) one on one..." - Melissa Slavens, Patient Services Coordinator, J & D Pharmacy, Warsaw, Missouri

What people are saying about ZRT Educational Events...

I just returned from the inaugural 3-day seminar on bio-identical restorative therapy sponsored by ZRT and held in Chicago. I have to give Jim Paoletti, his wife Amy, Dr. Zava, and the rest of the crew at ZRT two thumbs up for the overall organization and content at this seminar. This seminar had it all: a wealth of information, great speakers, a diverse mix of attendees (physicians, pharmacists, nurses, PAs, even a veterinarian (no joking)). I would highly recommend to anyone to attend their future seminars, and I will certainly make efforts to do that. They have also reinforced in my mind their position as the most reliable laboratory for hormone testing and information. - Pharmacy Director, Chicago, IL

We took seven people to the conference and they were all highly impressed with the program. Mark's presentation on saliva testing went a long way to show the differences in lab choices out there. I know our group verbalized they have never seen a better talk on saliva testing and that they are thoroughly convinced about it and who they'll use. All in all, the 3-day conference did not have that "commercial" feel, just highly educational and very well done. There were attendees there from all over, as far away as Florida and even Alaska. It was truly a great conference, and we look forward to taking folks to upcoming programs in other cities. Thanks, ZRT.  - Pharmacy Owner, Pittsburgh, PA

I have had some very nice comments from the doctors that I brought to Chicago with me. One said it was "career changing. - Physician, Indianapolis, IN

The symposium was incredible! You all did an extraordinary job in putting this together. Purvi and I appreciated the opportunity in getting to know you and a few other professionals over dinner; another fantastic experience. Thank you! We were impressed with your variety of speakers down to the excellent food. You took care of your students/colleagues well. This conference had what was needed for the beginner to the advanced. The ZRT speakers’ eminence was that of compassion, honesty, and a family. This is a remarkable quality that, in my opinion, is unique in the industry. Dr. Zava should be proud! We have great respect for your laboratory more so than ever. ZRT stands out as the elite when it comes to laboratory testing and education. You all deserve a pat on the back. This was a success! - Nutritional Consultant and Certified Pharmacy Technician, Portage, MI

Just a quick note to thank you for the outstanding meeting this past week. For me, the conference was rewarding in every respect: the topics were of great interest, and the meeting's fine content was matched by its impressive organization. I particularly enjoyed having the opportunity to visit your laboratory and to be able to meet with so many of its personnel. - MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Preventive Medicine Loma Linda University, California

"I am a 61 year old male with adrenal insufficiency and no thyroid. My energy had been drastically diminishing in the afternoon for years, reaching a daily point of exhaustion that would overcome me. After taking my symptoms to my Endocrinologist, who I held in high esteem, I received no answers and/or relief.  Every AM cortisol blood test showed normal to high levels – so a shortage of the hormone was always dismissed. Not until I had a saliva test done at ZRT did I get confirmation of what I was feeling for a long time. My 4x cortisol level showed production in the am but then a flat line for the noon, evening and night measurements.  The new doctor I was seeing explained that I was dipping into my Adrenaline supply. Finally someone had identified what was going on in my body. I began taking Prednisone and then hydrocortisone. I keep my dosage relatively low and also supplement with Progesterone gel which helps with my Estrogen dominance, also identified through my saliva test."
- Terence, Age 61

"After teaching for 22 years, I had to take a total disability. I was very ill with fibromyalgia, including chronic neck, back, jaw, and shoulder pain. I also had daily headaches, low energy, brain fog, and anxiety. I was told by many doctors, that "I would have to learn to live with it." Today, and for the past 11 years, I have been well and off medications. The main way I have become symptom-free is by balancing my hormones. I retrained as a certified nutritional consultant and have been trying very hard to help other women with chronic health problems in the natural pharmacy where I work. I have seen first-hand the plethora of symptoms that can be a part of imbalance in myself and my clients. So many women I talk to are just getting through the day and too many don't know that correcting imbalances can defy chronic illness. I use ZRT testing for myself and my clients. I trust this lab and have seen great benefits.
- Patricia, Age 62

"We have used ZRT Laboratory for many years.  As a compounding pharmacy, our customers rely on us to create individualized hormones that successfully work for them.  We are thankful to the staff and providers at ZRT Laboratory, as they have helped us become the success we are today by building relationships with patients and their physicians.  We are grateful for each and every one of you who have created a way for our men and women to get their life back! Without the ZRT Laboratory Clinical Consultants, this would not be possible!"
- Mel, Patient Services Coordinator

"ZRT, I just want you to know how much I appreciate the work you do and how helpful your lab has been to me. Labs are usually distant entities that have no personal relationships with patrons, but ZRT stands in a class all its own.  Your courtesy, knowledge and willingness to be of service to those who use your tests is outstanding.  You've helped me understand my test results thereby providing confidence in the test and results. It also brings peace of mind. You not only change lives by providing reliable test results, but you make the process comfortable and understandable.  May ZRT receive the industry kudos it deserves!"
- Willa

"I had put on 30 pounds, was constantly fatigued, had foggy thinking, headaches, depression, anxiety,  my periods stopped, and I was swelling from water weight. I was barely functioning. I went to my family doctor who said all my tests were normal, a little on the low side but normal. I knew  there was no way that what I was going through was normal. I then found Dr. Shames in Marin County, CA who had me order ZRT Laboratory's Comprehensive Female Profile I. The tests were really easy to take and the results were easy to understand. I had low progesterone, thyroid and vitamin D, and erratic cortisol levels. Dr. Shames slowly worked thyroid medication, adrenal supplements, progesterone, Omega 3-6-9, vitamin D and DHEA into my system. Additionally, I removed gluten, eggs and dairy from my diet. Over the last year, I have lost 25 pounds, can exercise on a regular basis and have energy. Best of all, I am happy for the first time in years! I don't have any of the painful symptoms I previously endured. Dr Shames, Xymogen Vitamins, and ZRT Laboratory saved my life."
- Anonymous, age 29

"I suffered from menstrual migraines since the month after my second child was born. I searched for over 10 years to find a treatment that would give me a quality of life. I would be incompacitated for 3-5 days a month with migraines! That does not work well with two toddlers and a busy life as a nurse. My biggest problem was getting my Docs and NP's to think outside the "box". Conventional treatment did not help AT ALL! I met your ZRT provider at Pharmacy Innovations and immediately took a saliva test. I'll never forget that day as long as I live-Halloween 2008. I needed to be at school to run the Halloween party for my 3rd grader and a migraine hit! I called Pharmacy Innovations and asked if they had received my saliva results-I was in pain! Fred told me I could take a bath in progesterone, my level was that low. He advised me on dosing at 10am and by 1pm that day I could actually function! I continued with treatment for the next year with amazing results-so much so that I begged for a job couseling women with hormone imbalances at Pharmacy Innovations. I have been MIGRAINE FREE for over one year!!!! Thanks ZRT!"
- Lisa, age 46

"Dr. McAllister worked with me in getting the progesterone I needed during my pregnancy. Once my script was filled and I started using the progesterone, all indicators of a miscarriage were gone. It's truly amazing how much the progesterone helped! The crazy thing is that the midwife I was previously seeing ordered her own progesterone test for me. She advised that my levels were normal but wouldn't give me the numbers (I didn't tell her I had just received the progesterone script). I ended up switching hospitals completely and the doctor who delivered my daughter was fantastic...just wish I had switched to him sooner. Our baby girl, Cailey Grace, was born January 2, 2010 and weighed 6 lbs, 2 oz and 19 inches long. The nurse who took care of her right after delivery, said you couldn't find a healthier and perfect baby. This was an answer to our prayers! I realize you were doing your job, but I want you to know how much we appreciate all you did to help during a very difficult and discouraging time. I truly feel, without the progesterone, I would've either lost Cailey or she would've been born prematurely. Thank you just doesn't seem enough."
- Kristy, age 35

"ZRT and saliva testing literally saved my life!  I have spent the last three years of my life going from a gynecologist to an oncologist, from an endocrinologist to an infectious disease doctor, begging for help. I kept telling all of them that my hormones were out of balance. They all said the same thing:  you are too young, you are on birth control, you have plenty of estrogen. Well...  knew better. I had terrible hot flashes (despite the birth control pills). I could not sleep, suffered from anxiety attacks and uncontrollable rage, felt like my mind was in a fog. I had poor cognitive function and was unable to concentrate. I even had a hard time carrying on a conversation. I could not pronounce my words correctly and had burning sensations in my head. I could not take it anymore. No one would help me. Then my primary care doctor ordered saliva testing. I did not believe in “holistic" medicine. (That is what I thought saliva testing was.) Lucky for me my doctor went outside of the "box". The results spoke for themselves. Thanks to ZRT I feel better than I ever have. I truly believe that everyone should test their hormones using saliva testing. I have always felt like I had a hormone imbalance. As far as I am concerned, this is the best test out there. I am constantly recommending it to all of my friends. All I know is that it saved my life. Thank you ZRT for giving me my life back!"
- Melissa, age 39

"I was miserable around my periods and tended to take it out on everyone around me. My kids would see that look on my face and scatter, which only made me feel worse. I had tried all sorts of over-the-counter remedies but nothing changed. Then I heard someone on the radio describing my symptoms to a T! They attributed it all to a hormonal imbalance. Who knew? My doctor had never mentioned the possibility. I started looking into it and found that there was quite a bit of information out there; including a simple test I could take from ZRT. Sure enough my hormones were out of whack! To make a long story short, I found a natural- hormone-friendly doctor through ZRT’s Find a Provider function, who is working with me to balance my hormones. She regularly monitors my hormone levels with follow-up saliva testing, but I know the treatment is working. It’s like night and day. Just ask my kids."
- Anita, age 42

"I was running on empty, but didn’t know why; I guess I figured that’s what getting old feels like. I say that, but at the same time I wasn’t ready to accept it - not with six-year-old twins running around! Then my eldest daughter, a health educator who’s usually up on the latest health trends, stopped by. I was half-way through my tale of woe, when she said something about male hormones… my ears really pricked up. That was the first day of my second lease on life. First thing I did was get my hormones tested with ZRT, and even though I’m getting along in years, my numbers were lower than need be. Now I take multivitamins and natural hormone supplements and Doc usually checks my hormone levels a couple times a year to make sure the dosage is still right for me. I eat a lot more fruits and vegetables than I used to, and found a personal trainer to help me with weight bearing workouts that build up testosterone levels naturally. I feel like a million bucks. In one week last month, I won the local poker tournament, and took the twins to Disneyland. It doesn’t get any better than that. Not at my age! "
- Thomas, age 72

"I never thought about menopause until I was in it. And what an introduction! I started to feel like I was on a rollercoaster; always up or down, hot or cold, full of energy, or totally wiped out. Of course I went to the doctor fully expecting to be put on hormone replacement. Menopause is an estrogen deficiency disease, right? Wrong. Well I know that now, after hellish year on HRT, the same stuff they used in the big study (Women’s Health Initiative Trial) that was in the headlines a few years back--the one they suddenly stopped because it was putting women at risk for the heart attacks and breast cancer it was supposed to be preventing! HRT certainly caused me a lot of problems and it never helped me with the symptoms I took it for in the first place-- hot flashes and weight gain. So it was a good thing I found Dr. John Lee’s book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause. From the first page I felt he was speaking directly to me! Since finding a physician through ZRT’s Find a Provider search, who switched me to natural progesterone, my hormone levels tested pretty well balanced – no more estrogen dominance. The hot flashes usually don’t show up unless I’m really stressed or eating spicy foods, and I’m finally starting to lose some weight!"
- Wilma, age 52

"I’ve had a hard time ever since my teens. While the other girls in high school were mostly thin and smooth-skinned, I had to put up with acne that wouldn’t quit, hairiness that boys made fun of, periods that came without warning, and 25 extra pounds that I’ve never been able to lose. I’m told I may never be able to have children because of the polycystic ovaries and I’ve never been so depressed. The only ray of sunshine came from a friend of a friend with the same problem who mentioned that it might be a hormone imbalance. It was suggested that I get a saliva hormone test from ZRT, so I did. And my hormones are way out in left field. This has me worried, but at least its new information. My next step is to find a doctor who knows about this stuff, since mine is not interested. I found a local compounding pharmacist through ZRT’s Find a Provider, who has helped me find a provider in my area who will help me balance my hormones naturally. That sounds like the fresh start I need."
- Megan, age 29