Blog

Menstrual Phase Symptoms: What's Normal During Your Period, and What's Worth Checking
Cramping, fatigue and low mood are common during your period, but not everything you feel is "just your period". Here's what's driving typical menstrual-phase symptoms, and when heavier or more disruptive symptoms are worth testing for.

Luteal Phase Symptoms: Why the Two Weeks Before Your Period Feel Different
Mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, sleep disruption, the luteal phase carries the bulk of what's usually called PMS. Here's what's driving it hormonally, and when it's worth testing.

Ovulation Phase Symptoms: The Hormonal High Point of Your Cycle
A short window, a hormone peak, and for many women, a genuine high point in mood, energy and libido. Here's what's happening at ovulation, and how to confirm it's actually occurring.

Follicular Phase Symptoms: What to Expect as Your Hormones Rise
More energy, clearer skin, sharper focus, the follicular phase is often the best window of your cycle. Here's what's driving it hormonally, and what it means if this phase doesn't feel that way for you.

Your Cycle, Phase by Phase: What's Normal, What's Not, and What to Test For
Your mood, energy, skin and symptoms shift across the month for a reason. This guide walks through what's actually happening hormonally in each of the four cycle phases, and links through to a deeper dive on the symptoms of each one.

HbA1c explained: what your average blood sugar means
Your GP mentions HbA1c and moves on. Here is what the number actually measures, why it is different from a normal blood sugar test, and what the result ranges mean for your risk of diabetes.

SIBO Explained: Symptoms, Testing and What Your Breath Test Means
Bloating, gas and a gut that never quite settles can point to SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Here's what actually causes it, how a hydrogen/methane breath test works, and how to prepare so your result means something.

Can Food Cause Fatigue? The Real Link Between Diet, Digestion and Energy
That 3pm crash, the brain fog, the tiredness sleep won't fix, could your diet be part of the picture? We unpack what the science actually says about food, gut health and energy, and how to start investigating your own.

Mould Exposure & Mycotoxin Testing Explained
Wondering if mould could be behind your symptoms? Here's what mould exposure looks like, what a mycotoxin test actually measures, and how to make sense of your results.

Gluten Sensitivity vs Coeliac Disease: What's the Difference, and How Do You Find Out?
Bloated after bread? Tired for no clear reason? Gluten sensitivity and coeliac disease are often confused, but they're very different conditions. Here's how to tell them apart, and what testing can (and can't) tell you before you change your diet.

How to Start an Elimination Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding Your Food Triggers
Bloating, fatigue, skin flare-ups after eating? An elimination diet can help you work out which foods are behind it, but only with the right approach. Here's how to start one properly, and where testing fits in.

Why Am I Bloated Every Day? Understanding the Hidden Causes of Daily Bloating
Feeling swollen and uncomfortable most afternoons isn't just "how it is." We unpack the everyday causes of bloating, from food intolerances to gut health, and how to start finding real answers.

Menopause and Food Intolerance: Could Your Diet Be Affecting Your Symptoms?
Bloating, brain fog, low energy, sound familiar? Many women notice their body reacts differently to food during perimenopause and menopause. We look at why, and how food intolerance testing can help you tell the difference between hormones and diet.

Adrenal Fatigue: What the Science Says, and How to Test
"Adrenal fatigue" isn't a diagnosis any endocrine society recognises. But the exhaustion is real, and so is what's happening with your cortisol. Here's the honest version, and how to check.

ApoB and Lp(a): The Cholesterol Markers a Standard Test Misses
A standard cholesterol test doesn't report ApoB or Lp(a). Here's what each marker adds, who might consider testing them, and how to test both in Australia without a GP referral.
.jpg?q=70)
AMH & Fertility Testing: Why Knowing Your Ovarian Reserve Sooner Matters
By 40, the chance of conceiving naturally each cycle is roughly half what it was at 30. An AMH or fertility test won't guarantee pregnancy - but it buys you time to understand your options sooner.

What Your Gut Microbiome Test Actually Reveals
Trillions of microbes, three very different i-screen tests, and one big question: what do your results actually tell you? Here's the short version - the full science lives in our Resources section.

Which DNA Test Is Right for Me? A Decision Guide
Comprehensive, Methylation, Gold Genetic, a single MTHFR marker, or DNA folded into a full health check? Answer five quick questions to find the i-screen DNA test that actually answers what you want to know.

The Advanced Dried Urine Hormone Test
If you're trying to get to the root cause of your hormonal symptoms - like fatigue, mood swings, PMS, low libido, or stubborn weight gain — the Advanced Dried Urine Hormone Test could be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for.

How to Increase Testosterone: Why 35,000+ Searches a Month Still Start Without a Test
Every month, thousands of Australian men Google "how to increase testosterone," and land on supplement ads instead of clinical answers. Here's why testing your levels should be the first step, not lifestyle hacks.

Thyroid Antibodies and Hashimoto's: What a Positive Result Actually Means
Your TSH came back 'in range', but you still don't feel right. Thyroid antibody testing looks for the autoimmune process behind Hashimoto's - here's what TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies show, and when it's worth testing.

How We Use AI at i-screen
i-screen’s Chief AI Officer Brad Ryan explains how the platform utilises advanced AI to analyse complex biomarkers, provide personalised health insights beyond generic ranges, and support over 4,000 practitioners fin interpreting multi-modal medical data.

My Toxin Report: The Hidden Exposures Shaping Modern Health
My Toxin Report is an at-home urine test that helps identify exposure to environmental pollutants including plastics, pesticides, solvents and preservatives to support informed health decisions.

Which Gut Test Do I Need? Microbiome Check vs GI-Map vs Microbiomics GutIQ vs SIBO
Microbiome Check, GI-Map, Microbiomics GutIQ and SIBO breath tests all check different things. This guide breaks down what each one actually measures, so you can work out which gut test matches your symptoms - without buying the wrong one first.
Blood Tests Without a Referral in Australia: The Complete Guide
Skip the GP wait. Here's exactly how to order a blood test online in Australia without a referral: what's legal, how i-screen's model works, and which tests you can access today.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Why They Matter for Hormone Health
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can subtly affect hormone balance over time. The Advanced DUTCH Test helps individuals and clinicians understand daily hormone patterns and stress responses beyond standard blood tests.

Homocysteine Explained: The Heart Marker Your Cholesterol Test Misses
Cholesterol and blood pressure only tell part of the heart-risk story. Homocysteine is a lesser-known marker linked to vascular strain, B vitamin status and MTHFR variants. Here is what a raised result usually means, and what tends to help.

Microbiomics GutIQ: The Most Comprehensive Gut Health Test on the Market
The Microbiomics Metagenomic Mapping test is the most comprehensive gut health check available, detecting 28,000+ microbes with advanced sequencing to deliver clear, actionable insights for digestion, immunity, mood, and long-term wellness.

Microbiomix: The Most Comprehensive Gut Health Test on the Market
The Microbiomix Metagenomic Mapping test is the most comprehensive gut health check available, detecting 28,000+ microbes with advanced sequencing to deliver clear, actionable insights for digestion, immunity, mood, and long-term wellness.

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: Understanding the Difference for a Healthier Life
Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: Understanding the Difference for a Healthier Life

Osteoporosis - the “silent disease” that affects bone health
Osteoporosis is a “silent disease” where bones become weak and prone to fractures, often without symptoms until a break occurs. Common in women over 50, it can be prevented with calcium, vitamin D, exercise, and early screening like a DEXA scan.

Considering a GLP-1 for Weight Loss or Diabetes?
Learn why proactive testing is an essential step before and during GLP-1 treatment to safely support weight loss, metabolic health, and manage side effects.

How We Protect Your Data at i-screen
Learn how i-screen protects your personal data through secure infrastructure, encryption, access controls, and privacy-first practices. We’re committed to keeping your information safe, compliant, and confidential at every step.

You’ve Completed Your Genetic Methylation DNA Test—Now What?
The Methylation Pathways Check reveals if your genetic variants are actively disrupting detox, metabolism, or mood—turning genetic insight into real-time answers.

The Organic Acids Test: A Deeper Look at Fatigue, Brain Fog & Gut Health
Feeling tired, foggy or off despite “normal” blood work? The Organic Acids Test uncovers hidden nutrient, gut, and metabolic imbalances that could explain your symptoms.

What type of methylator are you? Why your Methylation Profile matters.
Methylation is one of the most essential processes in your body. Despite its importance, most of us know very little about how well we methylate — or how methylation impacts our health.

Transform Your Health with Insights from Your DNA
Your DNA is the blueprint of your body, influencing everything from metabolism to mental well-being. Understanding your genetic variants can transform your health.

Mould Toxicity and Nutritional Support | i-screen
Mould exposure can cause respiratory, neurological, and immune issues. Removing the source is essential, but nutrition can also support detox, reduce inflammation, and restore immune function for recovery.

How Genetic Methylation Testing Can Enhance your Wellness Journey
When it comes to optimising your health, understanding the biochemical processes that power your body can be a game-changer. One such process is methylation—a critical function that occurs in every cell of your body.

Unlocking the Power of Your DNA: Understanding Genetic Variants
Find out how to unlock the secrets of your DNA. Discover how genes shape your health and make informed choices for a healthier you.

Taking Care of Your Vaginal Health: Optimising the Vaginal Microbiome
Learn how to optimise your vaginal microbiome for better health. Tips for maintaining pH, avoiding irritants, and promoting healthy bacteria.

Exploring the Hidden World of the Vaginal Microbiome
Women's health is influenced by the complex ecosystem of the vaginal microbiome. Testing this ecosystem can help diagnose and manage conditions like bacterial vaginosis and recurrent UTIs, improving women's health outcomes.
.jpg?q=70)
The Menstrual Cycle and Mood: Understanding the Phases and Potential Impact on Women's Health
The menstrual cycle is a complex physiological process that occurs in women of reproductive age, and it is regulated by hormonal changes. It involves several phases, each with distinct hormonal changes and impacts on mood, fertility, and overall health.

Hormone Testing vs. Saliva Hormone Testing vs. DUTCH Testing – which option to choose?
Three commonly used methods for hormone testing in menopause are serum hormone testing and saliva hormone testing - which option is best?

COVID-19 tests for travel
With travel now possible, many are hoping to enjoy holidays once again. Some countries are asking for COVID-19 negative test results as proof for entry.

The forgotten organ - the thriving population that lives in your gut
An entire ecosystem of microorganisms lives in your gut - it's purpose not only to optimise its productivity, but also regulate your mood, your weight and even your immune system. This "microbiome" is essential to survival.

Cranking your Vitamin D levels can help beat the Winter Blues
Winter is well upon us down under. When the cold and grey weather settles in, summer can feel like a distant memory and our moods can feel like they're riding a rollercoaster.

Solve your irritable bowel with i-screen's gut health checks
IBS affects more than 20% of individuals. Only recently have we begun to decode the mysteries of IBS with underlying factors ranging from genetics, the immune system, infections and the microbiome, to diet, stress and even mental health.

Manliness and The Manopause – 5 things you need to know about your hormones
As many of us spend Movember horrifying our significant others and entertaining work colleagues with bizarre sprouting of facial hair, one can’t help but question one’s own manliness when a month of abstinence doesn’t yield that much-coveted handlebar mo.

Feeling burnt out? It could be adrenal fatigue
Feeling burnt out? it could be adrenal fatigue

Optimising your health with nutritional medicine
Nutritional medicine is the study of the relationship between food and a healthy body. It involves analysing how nutrients are processed, stored and discarded by your body, and explores how what you eat affects your overall well-being.
.jpg?q=70)
Cracking the SADs
Winter has officially arrived, and for many Brits this also brings a case of the winter blues.

Recognising the signs of hormone imbalance
When your hormones are in proper balance they help the body thrive, but small problems with hormones can cause serious and life-altering symptoms.

So I’ve got high cholesterol – now what?
So you’ve had a blood test and found out you have high cholesterol. Don’t panic, half of individuals actually have ‘high cholesterol’ so you’re not alone.

7 ways anabolic steroids affect your health
Androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) have been used to enhance athletic performance since the 1940s, but some of the negative consequences of steroid abuse have only recently come to light.

5 ways to restore your adrenal health
Stress is part of everyday life and how you respond to it has a significant effect on your health.

8 reasons to get your thyroid checked
Thyroid conditions affect 1 in 7 individuals, and half don't even realise it. If you feel that something’s wrong, but you can’t put finger on what, it could be a thyroid issue.