EndoAxis

February 17, 2026

Obesity, Adipose Tissue, and the Endocrine Limits of “Health at Any Size” : Part 2

When adipose tissue becomes metabolically unstable, the effects on sex hormone balance extend far beyond weight alone. Explore how adipose dysfunction may be associated with insulin resistance, altered SHBG levels, and changes in hormone metabolism — and how urinary metabolite patterns may support a more complete picture of endocrine health. For educational purposes only.

February 10, 2026

Obesity, Adipose Tissue, and the Endocrine Limits of “Health at Any Size” : Part 1

Adipose tissue is far more than an energy store — it's an endocrine-active organ secreting leptin, adiponectin, estrogens, and inflammatory molecules that communicate directly with the brain, liver, and reproductive system. Explore how adipose tissue function, not body weight alone, may be associated with metabolic and hormonal health. For educational purposes only.

February 3, 2026

Osteoporosis: A Disorder of Lost Signaling, Not Simply Lost Bone

Bone density scores don't always tell the full story. Hormonal, inflammatory, and autonomic signals all play a role in bone remodeling balance — and disruption in any of these areas may contribute to skeletal vulnerability long before a DEXA scan reveals risk. For educational purposes only.

January 27, 2026

Alcohol, Hormones, and the Hidden Cost of “Moderate” Drinking

Even at levels commonly considered moderate, alcohol may affect the metabolism of key hormones including cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. A review of published research on how alcohol interacts with the body's hormonal pathways and what that may mean for overall endocrine health. For educational purposes only.

January 20, 2026

Heart Rate Variability (HRV): The Signal Beneath the Pulse

HRV isn't just a number on your wearable — it's a window into how well your autonomic nervous system is adapting to stress, recovery, and hormonal shifts. Explore the physiological basis of HRV and how this data may be understood in a broader context of hormonal and nervous system health. For educational purposes only.

December 23, 2025

Estrogen Patches – the hidden Gem for HRT

One of the most evidence-supported tools in women's hormonal health is also one of the most underutilized. Transdermal estradiol bypasses first-pass liver metabolism, delivering bioidentical E2 at steady-state levels — with a distinct metabolic and hepatic profile compared to oral estrogen formulations. For educational purposes only.

December 16, 2025

Precision Hormone Testing: How Science and Timing Improve Clinical Accuracy Part 3: What are the different options for testing and why it matters

Not all hormone tests measure the same things — and the analytic platform behind a result matters just as much as the result itself. A comparison of immunoassay and mass spectrometry (LC/MS) testing platforms and how method selection may affect the accuracy and interpretation of hormone data. For educational purposes only.

December 9, 2025

Precision Hormone Testing: How Science and Timing Improve Clinical Accuracy Part 2: What’s the “best” way to test hormones?

Serum, saliva, and dried urine each capture different aspects of hormone physiology — and no single method is best in every scenario. A comparative overview of hormone testing matrices to help inform smarter, more individualized testing decisions. For educational purposes only.

December 2, 2025

Precision Hormone Testing: How Science and Timing Improve Clinical Accuracy

Hormone testing is only as meaningful as the science and timing behind it. A foundational review of steroid hormone physiology, testing methodologies, and evidence-informed timing considerations for hormone assessment across different life stages. For educational purposes only.

November 18, 2025

Estrogen Metabolite Patterns and Oxidative Stress

The relationship between estrogen metabolites — 2-OH, 4-OH, 16-OH, and 8-OHdG — may offer a valuable metabolic snapshot of how the body is processing estrogens and the degree of oxidative stress affecting cellular health. Explore the interplay between estrogen hydroxylation pathways and what these patterns may indicate. For educational purposes only.

November 11, 2025

Optimizing Serum Hormone Lab Accuracy

Supplements, medications, and testing timing can all significantly influence serum hormone results — and misreading those variables may lead to inaccurate clinical interpretation. Explore key factors that may affect lab accuracy, including the underrecognized impact of high-dose biotin on hormone panels. For educational purposes only.

November 4, 2025

Cortisol Confusion: How Our Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) May Be Impacted

The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a sensitive marker of how well the brain and adrenal system are communicating — and various medications may meaningfully alter its pattern. Explore how pharmacological influences may affect CAR interpretation and what that means for a more nuanced reading of adrenal health data. For educational purposes only.

October 21, 2025

Not All Testosterone Tests Are Created Equal: Why Calculated Free Testosterone is Important

Total testosterone alone doesn't tell the full story. Free testosterone — the biologically active fraction — requires precise measurement methodology to be clinically meaningful, especially when SHBG is altered or borderline results need clarification. A review of why calculated free testosterone may offer more useful insight. For educational purposes only.

October 14, 2025

Supporting Patients Transitioning Off Hormonal Birth Control: A Functional and Integrative Review

Coming off hormonal birth control involves more than simply stopping a pill. This review explores the hormonal and physiological shifts that may occur during the transition, along with functional and integrative considerations that may support the body's return to natural hormonal rhythm. For educational purposes only.

October 7, 2025

Supporting Women on Hormonal IUD

Unlike oral contraceptives, the hormonal IUD delivers levonorgestrel locally — and its effects on systemic hormone production vary widely among individuals. Explore how the hormonal IUD differs from other contraceptive methods and what that may mean for hormone testing interpretation. For educational purposes only.

September 30, 2025

Supporting Women on Hormonal Birth Control: Clinical Considerations and Care Strategies

Hormonal contraceptives suppress the HPO axis in ways that can make sex hormone panel interpretation complex and potentially misleading. Explore the pharmacological effects of oral contraceptives, implants, and injections on endogenous hormone production and what that means for accurate hormone assessment. For educational purposes only.

September 23, 2025

The Clinical Utility of Sex Hormone Testing in Women on Hormonal Contraception: A Critical Evaluation

Sex hormone testing in women on hormonal contraception requires careful interpretation — the very medications being used are designed to suppress the hormones being measured. A critical review of when hormone testing may or may not be clinically meaningful in this context. For educational purposes only.

September 9, 2025

Routes of Administration – bHRT

From topical gels to oral tablets, pellets to patches — each route of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy carries a distinct absorption profile, metabolic pathway, and impact on DUTCH testing results. A practical review of bHRT delivery options and what to expect when evaluating treatment efficacy. For educational purposes only.

August 26, 2025

Estriol, the 16-OH Pathway, and DUTCH Testing: What Clinicians Should Know

Urine testing reveals not just hormone levels but how estrogens are being metabolized downstream. Explore the three primary estrogen hydroxylation pathways — 2-OH, 4-OH, and 16-OH — and how understanding estriol and the 16-OH pathway may enhance the interpretation of DUTCH test results. For educational purposes only.

August 19, 2025

Rethinking Urinary Hormone Metabolites: Beyond Snapshot Risk, Toward the Metabolic Narrative

Urinary hormone metabolite ratios are sometimes debated for their clinical relevance — but beyond risk stratification, they may reveal a broader metabolic narrative about oxidative stress, redox homeostasis, and how hormones are functioning as cellular messengers. For educational purposes only.

August 5, 2025

The EndoAxis Difference: Transforming Complex Data into Meaningful Patient Care

Advanced hormone testing generates powerful data — but data alone doesn't drive better outcomes. Explore how EndoAxis bridges the gap between complex functional lab results and actionable, patient-centered insights using analytics and AI-informed interpretation. For educational purposes only.

July 29, 2025

The EndoAxis Treatment Hierarchy

Lasting therapeutic outcomes start from the ground up. The EndoAxis treatment hierarchy guides a structured approach to hormone health — from foundational lifestyle considerations through metabolic evaluation, supplement support, and advanced interventions. For educational purposes only.

July 15, 2025

How Sun, Smoke, and BBQ Influence Estrogen and Cortisol Metabolism

Sunlight, grilling smoke, and charred foods introduce environmental compounds that may stress the metabolic pathways governing estrogen and cortisol. Explore the hidden hormonal impact of common summer exposures and what may support the body's detoxification response. For educational purposes only.

July 8, 2025

Where EndoAxis Enhances Femtech

FemTech platforms like Mira, Oura, and Natural Cycles offer valuable hormone tracking — but sensitivity and specificity matter when it comes to clinical interpretation. Explore where wearable and at-home tools leave off and where deeper hormone testing may add meaningful context. For educational purposes only.

July 1, 2025

A Deep Dive into EndoAxis:What’s Behind the Patterns?

EndoAxis evaluates sex hormones not as isolated values but through their relationships to each other and their downstream metabolites. Explore the science behind how hormone patterns are generated — from enzyme expression modeling to multi-tissue metabolite mapping. For educational purposes only.

June 24, 2025

DHEA vs DHEA-S: What’s the Difference, and WHY does it matter?

DHEA and DHEA-S are related but functionally distinct — differing in half-life, stability, conversion potential, and what they reveal in lab testing. Understanding the difference may meaningfully change how adrenal and androgen health is interpreted. For educational purposes only.

June 17, 2025

CYP3A4: Influence of How Stress Can Impact Sex Hormones

CYP3A4 is one of the liver's most active enzymes — responsible for metabolizing roughly half of all pharmaceuticals as well as key steroid hormones including cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. Explore how chronic stress and inflammation may alter CYP3A4 activity and downstream hormone balance. For educational purposes only.

June 10, 2025

The Yin and Yang of Estrogen and Progesterone: A Gut Feeling

Estrogen and progesterone don't just govern reproduction — they shape neurotransmitter activity, gut motility, and mood through opposing push-pull dynamics. Explore how the balance between serotonin-driven estrogen and GABA-enhancing progesterone may influence digestive and mental wellbeing. For educational purposes only.

June 3, 2025

PMS: A Brain Sensitivity Syndrome, Not a Hormone Deficiency

PMS affects some women but not others — even when hormone fluctuations are identical. The emerging understanding points not to hormone levels but to neurochemical sensitivity, particularly how the brain responds to estrogen and progesterone-driven shifts in serotonin and GABA. For educational purposes only.

May 27, 2025

Redefining Phytoestrogens: More Than Estrogen Mimics

Phytoestrogens are far more than simple estrogen mimics. Many phytoestrogenic botanicals work through preferential ERβ activation, enzyme modulation, and adaptogenic pathways — offering nuanced hormonal support that goes well beyond direct estrogen receptor stimulation. For educational purposes only.

May 25, 2025

Estrogen Receptor Differentiation & Function

ERα, ERβ, and GPER each play distinct roles in estrogen signaling — differing in tissue distribution, genomic activity, and therapeutic relevance. Understanding how estradiol and estriol interact with each receptor type may open new dimensions of targeted hormonal support. For educational purposes only.

May 13, 2025

CAG Repeats: The Androgen Receptor's Genetic Dimmer Switch

CAG repeat length in the androgen receptor gene acts as a genetic dimmer switch — influencing how sensitively cells respond to testosterone and other androgens. Explore how this polymorphism may shape sex steroid signaling and androgen biology in ways that lab values alone cannot capture. For educational purposes only.

May 6, 2025

Why Relora® Is a Game-Changer For Stress Relief and Whole-Body Health

Relora® — a clinically studied blend of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense — may support the body's stress response by modulating cortisol and promoting a calmer nervous system. Explore the science behind this botanical combination and its role in whole-body stress management. For educational purposes only.

April 29, 2025

Why We Chose Glass: Protecting Your Hormones Starts With The Bottle

Packaging matters as much as what's inside it. Plastic supplement bottles may leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals and microplastics that interfere with hormone health — which is why EndoAxis made the deliberate choice to use glass despite the logistical challenges. For educational purposes only.

April 22, 2025

The Oral Contraceptive Pill: What We Gain and What We Might Be Trading

The oral contraceptive pill has transformed reproductive freedom — but its synthetic hormones interact with the body in complex ways that extend beyond contraception. A balanced look at how ethinyl estradiol works, what trade-offs may accompany long-term use, and what that means for hormonal health. For educational purposes only.

April 13, 2025

Fertility & Nutrition

What we eat may influence far more than general health — diet, key nutrients, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in food packaging may all play a role in reproductive outcomes for both partners. A review of the nutritional factors that research suggests may support fertility. For educational purposes only.

April 8, 2025

The Brain Power and Balance of DHEA

DHEA and cortisol operate as opposing forces within the HPA axis — and their ratio may be one of the most overlooked markers of cognitive resilience and stress adaptation. Explore how DHEA may support neuroplasticity and brain health in the context of chronic stress. For educational purposes only.

April 1, 2025

Decoding Cortisol: Thyroid vs Chronic Stress Adaptation

High free cortisol with low metabolized cortisol is a pattern that may point to either thyroid dysfunction or chronic stress adaptation — and telling the difference matters. Explore how dried urine testing and peripheral cortisol metabolism may help distinguish between these two distinct clinical pictures. For educational purposes only.

March 25, 2025

Decoding Cortisol: Beyond The Standard Panel

Free cortisol alone tells only part of the adrenal story. A combined assessment of free cortisol and urinary cortisol metabolites may offer a more complete picture of how the body is producing, using, and clearing this critical stress hormone. For educational purposes only.

March 18, 2025

Broccoli - A Superfood That Goes Beyond Estrogen

Broccoli and broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane — a compound formed when myrosinase and glucoraphanin combine — that may support estrogen metabolism and detoxification pathways. Explore the science behind how this everyday vegetable may offer broader hormonal and antioxidant benefits. For educational purposes only.

March 4, 2025

Optimizing Estrogen Detoxification: The Science Behind DIM

DIM (Diindolylmethane), a key metabolite derived from cruciferous vegetables, may support Phase I and Phase II estrogen detoxification more predictably than its precursor I3C. Explore the biochemical case for DIM and how it may factor into estrogen metabolism support. For educational purposes only.

February 25, 2025

The Link Between Inflammation & PMS

The degree of inflammation present before menstruation may significantly influence the severity of PMS symptoms. Explore the research connecting inflammatory pathways to premenstrual syndrome and what that may mean for a more comprehensive approach to cycle-related discomfort. For educational purposes only.

February 18, 2025

The Key To Timing Your Testing

The timing of a hormone test may be just as important as the test itself. Luteal phase testing offers distinct advantages for evaluating progesterone-to-estrogen ratios, ovarian function, and endometrial health — and getting the timing right may significantly improve the clinical value of results. For educational purposes only.

February 4, 2025

Investigating UGT Deletion

A UGT2B17 gene deletion may impair the glucuronidation of testosterone, leading to reduced urinary clearance and potentially inaccurate DUTCH test results. Explore how this common genetic variant may affect androgen metabolism and how to account for it in hormone interpretation. For educational purposes only.

January 21, 2025

Beyond Estrogen: Understanding The Complexities of Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are not simply caused by low estrogen — they arise from the variability in estrogen levels that disrupts serotonin and norepinephrine signaling, affecting the brain's thermoregulatory center. Explore the neurological, hormonal, and vascular factors that may contribute to this hallmark menopause symptom. For educational purposes only.

January 21, 2025

The Role of Maca In Women's Health

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an adaptogenic root that may support hormonal balance, energy, and mood regulation in women — though individual tolerance varies based on hormonal sensitivities and underlying health conditions. A review of the potential benefits and considerations for maca use in female hormone health. For educational purposes only.

December 20, 2024

Cortisol, Sleep, & Circadian Rhythm

Cortisol and melatonin operate in natural opposition — cortisol drives daytime alertness while melatonin governs nighttime recovery. When this rhythm is disrupted, sleep quality, stress resilience, and hormone balance may all be affected. Explore how the cortisol-sleep connection underpins overall hormonal health. For educational purposes only.

December 10, 2024

Progestin IUDs and Hormonal Effects

Progestin IUDs vary significantly in their androgenic activity — and women using certain devices may be more likely to experience androgen-related effects such as acne, hair loss, or mood changes. A review of how different progestin IUD formulations may interact with androgen receptors and overall hormone balance. For educational purposes only.

December 10, 2024

Optimizing Fertility: Preconception Care for Egg & Sperm Health

Egg and sperm quality are both highly influenced by mitochondrial health, antioxidant status, and environmental exposures. Explore the preconception care strategies that may support oocyte and sperm quality, improve conception rates, and help reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. For educational purposes only.

December 3, 2024

Preconception Care: Deeper Hormonal Insights on Pregnancy Outcomes

This blog aims to provide medical professionals with a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between hormones, metabolism, and aging in women. By supporting patients through these transitions with evidence-based strategies, we can help them navigate this critical phase of life with health and vitality.

November 12, 2024

Libido: The Canary in the Coal Mine for Overall Health

This blog aims to provide medical professionals with a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between hormones, metabolism, and aging in women. By supporting patients through these transitions with evidence-based strategies, we can help them navigate this critical phase of life with health and vitality.

November 10, 2024

Stress Less, Thrive More: Tips to Balance Cortisol This Holiday Season

This blog aims to provide medical professionals with a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between hormones, metabolism, and aging in women. By supporting patients through these transitions with evidence-based strategies, we can help them navigate this critical phase of life with health and vitality.

November 10, 2024

Let's Talk About Vitamin B6: Where Form Meets Function!

This blog aims to provide medical professionals with a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between hormones, metabolism, and aging in women. By supporting patients through these transitions with evidence-based strategies, we can help them navigate this critical phase of life with health and vitality.

November 5, 2024

Understanding the EndoAxis Report

This blog aims to provide medical professionals with a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between hormones, metabolism, and aging in women. By supporting patients through these transitions with evidence-based strategies, we can help them navigate this critical phase of life with health and vitality.

September 10, 2024

Navigating Hormonal Shifts: A Guide for Medical Professionals on Women's Health and Aging

This blog aims to provide medical professionals with a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between hormones, metabolism, and aging in women. By supporting patients through these transitions with evidence-based strategies, we can help them navigate this critical phase of life with health and vitality.

August 27, 2024

Preconception Care Part 2: A guide to comprehensive lab testing and evaluation

Comprehensive preconception testing is crucial for identifying and correcting fertility and pregnancy outcome roadblocks. An integrative approach combining conventional and functional testing to assess well-woman health, pregnancy-specific labs, functional health screening, and male-specific tests will all improve health outcomes for parents and future children. Read on to learn more about screening and support for both partners desiring preconception care.

August 13, 2024

Preconception Care Part 1: The holistic approach to healthy pregnancies and beyond

Preconception care is essential but often underutilized. A holistic approach to preconception care aims to optimize health before pregnancy, reducing risks for both parents and the fetus. We will review key systems, nutrition and supplement support to optimize health prior to conception. This approach to care reduces risks of gestational issues, chronic health conditions for both mother and baby, and improves overall long-term health outcomes for the family.

July 30, 2024

Always Tired? An Integrative Approach to Fatigue

Fatigue can be caused by many factors ranging from lifestyle imbalance to significant disease. An integrative approach to fatigue includes keeping a wide differential diagnosis list, completing comprehensive lab testing, functional testing including hormones and gut health, and addressing lifestyle management factors such as sleep and diet optimization. Comprehensive evaluation can help with accurate diagnosis, uncovering root cause of imbalance, and facilitates ongoing energy support.

July 16, 2024

Methylation vs Methylation Detox: The Differences Between and Why it Matters to Estrogen

Wellness

Understanding the differences between methylation and methylation detox is crucial for effective estrogen metabolism. Read more to learn how these processes impact your health.

July 3, 2024

The Use of Herbs During Pregnancy and Lactation: A Balancing Act

The use of herbs during pregnancy and lactation can be confusing. This article summarizes the history, safety and concerns regarding herbal medicine during pregnancy and lactation. Although many herbs should be avoided, understanding the rationale for use, safety profiles and limitations of research can help you, as a provider, navigate this complex realm and choose products that are safe and appropriate for your patients.

June 19, 2024

The PMDD Puzzle: Evaluation, Etiology, and Management of a Complex Condition

PMDD, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, significantly impacts mood and quality of life. Explore its evaluation, causes, and management strategies.

June 4, 2024

Inflammation: The Silent Killer - Unveiling the Hidden Dangers

Chronic inflammation, a hidden threat, can lead to various serious health issues. Learn its causes, dangers, and effective management strategies.

May 21, 2024

Tracking Fertility Parameters

Tracking fertility parameters offers women insight into their bodies and cycles, aiding in conception, symptom management, and natural contraception.

May 7, 2024

HELP! My hair is falling out! A Guide to Hair Loss in the 21st Century

Experiencing hair loss? Discover a comprehensive guide on understanding and diagnosing hair loss, exploring causes, and effective treatment plans in the 21st century.

April 23, 2024

A Discussion Regarding Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids affect up to 70% of women in their reproductive years, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. This discussion explores conventional and emerging natural treatment options to manage and alleviate fibroid symptoms.

April 9, 2024

Functional Medical Approach to Weight Gain in Menopause Including Citations and Evidence-Based Solutions

Weight gain during menopause is influenced by hormonal changes, metabolism shifts, and lifestyle factors. Discover evidence-based solutions to manage weight and improve well-being through a functional medical approach.

March 26, 2024

Environmental Impacts on Male Factor Infertility

Environmental toxins significantly impact male fertility, contributing to about 35% of infertility cases. Learn how toxins like BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals affect sperm health and explore treatment strategies.

March 12, 2024

Evaluation and Support for PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects many women, significantly impacting quality of life. This article explores comprehensive evaluation and treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, supplements, and pharmacological interventions, based on current research and clinical guidelines.

February 27, 2024

Magnesium, Stress, Inflammation, and the Menstrual Cycle

Magnesium is crucial for various bodily functions, including hormone regulation, stress response, and inflammation control. Learn how magnesium affects the menstrual cycle, and explore the best sources and supplements to ensure adequate intake.

February 13, 2024

Endometriosis Part 2: Implications for Infertility

Endometriosis can profoundly impact fertility, affecting up to 50% of women with the condition. Explore the structural, inflammatory, and hormonal mechanisms linking endometriosis to infertility. Read more to learn about treatment options and the latest research.

February 11, 2024

Endometriosis Part 1: Complex Etiology and Diagnosis

Endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood condition affecting many women. Understanding its etiology and diagnosis is crucial for effective management. Dr. Bethany Mattson, ND, delves into the intricate factors contributing to endometriosis, from hormonal imbalances and immune dysfunction to gut health and environmental toxins. Discover how these elements interplay and impact diagnosis and treatment. Read more to learn about the multifaceted nature of endometriosis and effective management strategies.

January 23, 2024

My Patient is Breastfeeding, How Do I Support Her Hormone Health?

Supporting hormone health while breastfeeding can be challenging, especially with the need to avoid certain herbs and supplements that may impact milk supply. Essential minerals and vitamins, a balanced diet, and safe herbal teas can help. How can you ensure both mother and baby stay healthy during this time. Read more to learn which supplements and practices are recommended for optimal hormone balance during breastfeeding.

January 9, 2024

Holistic Acne Care: A Guide for Healthcare Practitioners

Patients often see acne as fixable with face wash or antibiotics, but holistic care involves lifestyle and topical methods.