All about health

Evidence-based articles on health, testing and wellbeing, written by experts and reviewed by doctors.

Hyperthyroidism: symptoms and treatment
16 May 2025 4 min

Hyperthyroidism: symptoms and treatment

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too many hormones, disrupting body functions like metabolism and heart rate. Symptoms include weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat. This article explains causes, diagnosis, and treatment options to manage the condition effectively.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
How to put on a condom correctly: step-by-step guide
16 May 2025 5 min

How to put on a condom correctly: step-by-step guide

Using condoms correctly is essential to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies. Many people make avoidable mistakes during application. This guide explains proper condom use and how to avoid the most common errors.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Symptoms of heart disease in men
15 May 2025 8 min

Symptoms of heart disease in men

Men are at greater risk for heart disease than women. This article outlines the key symptoms of heart attack, stroke, and coronary disease in men, as well as the main causes and ways to reduce risk through lifestyle and testing.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
What is prostate-specific antigen (PSA)?
15 May 2025 4 min

What is prostate-specific antigen (PSA)?

The PSA test measures a protein linked to prostate health. While high PSA may signal cancer, it can also result from other causes. Knowing your PSA can guide early action and informed decisions about further testing or treatment.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
Magnesium during pregnancy
15 May 2025 5 min

Magnesium during pregnancy

Magnesium plays a key role in pregnancy, supporting muscle, nerve, and fetal development. Deficiency can cause cramps and fatigue. A healthy diet and medical advice help maintain optimal levels.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Prevent heart disease: warning signs and actions
15 May 2025 6 min

Prevent heart disease: warning signs and actions

Heart disease often develops silently. Common signs like shortness of breath or fatigue can point to serious risks. Early detection and lifestyle improvements help reduce long-term cardiovascular complications.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Fructose and digestion: intolerance or malabsorption?
15 May 2025 7 min

Fructose and digestion: intolerance or malabsorption?

Fructose can lead to digestive symptoms in different ways. Hereditary intolerance affects liver function, while malabsorption causes gut issues. Understanding the difference helps manage symptoms effectively.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
How to grow old: 7 tips for a long life
14 May 2025 6 min

How to grow old: 7 tips for a long life

Longevity is more than just reaching old age—it's about staying healthy and fulfilled throughout life. This article shares seven science-backed habits for a longer, vibrant life. From nutrition to social ties, discover what really makes a difference.

Cornelia Grabmeier Cornelia Grabmeier
Type 2 diabetes – symptoms, causes and treatment
14 May 2025 9 min

Type 2 diabetes – symptoms, causes and treatment

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where your body becomes resistant to insulin, causing high blood sugar. Early symptoms are often vague or absent, making testing essential. Discover causes, risk factors, and how to test conveniently from home.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
Liver function test explained: values, meaning and procedure
14 May 2025 7 min

Liver function test explained: values, meaning and procedure

Liver function tests check vital markers like ALT, AST, and bilirubin to detect early signs of liver issues. This blog explains when testing is useful and how to prepare. Homed-IQ offers at-home kits with lab-quality accuracy for convenient liver health monitoring.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Symptoms of heart disease in women
14 May 2025 10 min

Symptoms of heart disease in women

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in women, yet symptoms often go unrecognized. Women may experience different signs than men, such as nausea or fatigue. Understanding these differences is key to early diagnosis and prevention.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
All about STI tests
12 May 2025 5 min

All about STI tests

Home STI tests allow you to check for infections privately and safely without visiting a clinic. This article explains the types of home STI tests, how they work, and which to choose. Learn how to test correctly and what makes a reliable, certified STI test.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
Vitamin D: Benefits, Sources, Deficiency & Sunlight
12 May 2025 16 min

Vitamin D: Benefits, Sources, Deficiency & Sunlight

Vitamin D supports many important functions in the body and can be obtained through sunlight, food, and supplements. Your levels can be influenced by factors such as age, skin type, season, diet, and overall health. Learn about vitamin D benefits, deficiency, recommended intake, sunlight, supplementation, magnesium, and more.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
Zinc deficiency – symptoms and causes
11 May 2025 8 min

Zinc deficiency – symptoms and causes

Zinc is a trace mineral your body can't do without—it supports your immune system, hormones, and healing processes. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, infections, and skin problems. Find out how to spot the signs and keep your zinc levels in balance.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
What is cryptosporidiosis?
11 May 2025 6 min

What is cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic infection that causes severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. It spreads via contaminated water, food, or surfaces. This article explains symptoms, transmission routes, and how to protect yourself—especially if your immune system is weakened.

Cornelia Grabmeier Cornelia Grabmeier
Perimenopause: what happens in your body
11 May 2025 6 min

Perimenopause: what happens in your body

Perimenopause is a natural but often overlooked phase of life. Hormonal shifts can cause symptoms like hot flashes, sleep issues, and mood changes. Learn how your body changes and what you can do to support your well-being during this transition.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
How to recognize deficiencies at an early stage
11 May 2025 7 min

How to recognize deficiencies at an early stage

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are often overlooked due to vague symptoms like fatigue or weakness. Left untreated, they may lead to serious health issues. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent long-term damage and improve your well-being through targeted nutrition and testing.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Leaky gut: what happens with a permeable intestine
10 May 2025 8 min

Leaky gut: what happens with a permeable intestine

Leaky gut refers to increased intestinal permeability, where the gut lining fails to block harmful substances. This may trigger inflammation and health issues like fatigue, skin problems, or digestive symptoms. Learn how it develops, what it means for your health, and how to support your gut.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Hepatitis B: symptoms, tests, and treatment
10 May 2025 5 min

Hepatitis B: symptoms, tests, and treatment

Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease caused by a virus transmitted through blood or sexual contact. It can be acute or chronic and may lead to liver damage. This article explains the basics of the disease and how to protect yourself.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
Hepatitis C: everything you need to know
10 May 2025 6 min

Hepatitis C: everything you need to know

Hepatitis C is a viral liver disease often without symptoms in its early stages. It spreads mainly through blood contact and can cause serious liver damage. This article explains how it’s transmitted, diagnosed, treated, and how to reduce your risk.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Histamine intolerance: symptoms, diagnosis and therapy
10 May 2025 6 min

Histamine intolerance: symptoms, diagnosis and therapy

Histamine intolerance arises when the body can't properly break down histamine from food, causing symptoms like headaches, rashes, and digestive issues. It's often misdiagnosed as a food allergy. This article explains causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment strategies to manage histamine intolerance effectively.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Penile ulcer: symptoms, causes and treatment
7 May 2025 6 min

Penile ulcer: symptoms, causes and treatment

Penile ulcers are painful, open sores that may result from STIs or autoimmune diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid complications. This article explains causes, symptoms, prevention, and therapy options.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Selenium – mineral for immune defenses and the nervous system
7 May 2025 8 min

Selenium – mineral for immune defenses and the nervous system

Selenium is a trace mineral crucial for thyroid, immune, and nervous system function. A deficiency may cause fatigue and immune issues, while too much leads to toxicity. Learn how to maintain healthy selenium levels through diet and testing.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Trichomoniasis: symptoms, causes and treatment
7 May 2025 3 min

Trichomoniasis: symptoms, causes and treatment

Trichomoniasis is a common but often symptomless STI caused by a parasite. It can be easily diagnosed with a simple test and treated with antibiotics. Regular testing helps prevent its spread.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
What can you do if you have hypothyroidism?
5 May 2025 8 min

What can you do if you have hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too few hormones. Symptoms often develop slowly but can have serious effects over time. Learn how to recognize, diagnose, and treat thyroid underfunction—and how to support your thyroid naturally.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
What is syphilis and how is it treated?
5 May 2025 5 min

What is syphilis and how is it treated?

Syphilis is a serious but treatable STI caused by bacteria. Learn more about its symptoms, transmission, and why timely testing is crucial. Homed-IQ’s self-tests allow you to check for syphilis discreetly from home.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
How does an STI test work? Learn more here
5 May 2025 4 min

How does an STI test work? Learn more here

Testing for STIs is important, especially after unprotected sex or with a new partner. Homed-IQ offers certified self-tests you can take from home. Discover how they work, which test suits you best, and how results are provided.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
Common food intolerances and their symptoms
3 May 2025 6 min

Common food intolerances and their symptoms

Bloating, cramps, and fatigue may signal food intolerance. Unlike allergies, intolerances don’t trigger an immune reaction—but they can impact daily life. This article explains key symptoms and how to tell intolerance from other conditions.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Gentle finger prick: 6 tips for less pain
2 May 2025 3 min

Gentle finger prick: 6 tips for less pain

Finger pricks at home don’t have to hurt. With a few easy steps—like warming your hands or choosing the right finger—you can make sample collection far more comfortable. Homed-IQ tests become easier, faster, and less stressful with the right preparation.

Cornelia Grabmeier Cornelia Grabmeier
Common STI symptoms in women
1 May 2025 4 min

Common STI symptoms in women

Many STIs in women go unnoticed due to mild or no symptoms. Still, untreated infections can lead to infertility or chronic pain. This article highlights the most common STIs in women and how to spot the signs early.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
Arteriosclerosis: causes, symptoms and prevention
1 May 2025 10 min

Arteriosclerosis: causes, symptoms and prevention

Arteriosclerosis causes arteries to harden and narrow, reducing blood flow. Atherosclerosis, a common form, can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Discover causes, symptoms, and how to reduce your risk through early action and lifestyle changes.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Prediabetes: what it is, how to recognise it and what you can do
1 May 2025 6 min

Prediabetes: what it is, how to recognise it and what you can do

Prediabetes often shows no symptoms, yet it significantly increases your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Early detection through testing is key. With the right lifestyle changes, prediabetes can often be reversed or stopped from progressing.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Omega-6 fatty acids: how healthy is omega-6 really?
1 May 2025 6 min

Omega-6 fatty acids: how healthy is omega-6 really?

Omega-6 fatty acids are vital for cell function and inflammation control. But too much omega-6, especially without enough omega-3, can promote chronic inflammation. This article explains the balance you need and where omega-6 is found in your diet.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Serotonin – the happiness hormone
1 May 2025 5 min

Serotonin – the happiness hormone

Serotonin is often called the feel-good hormone. It plays a vital role in mood, sleep, and digestion. Low levels can lead to anxiety or insomnia, while balanced levels promote overall well-being.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Chronological and biological age: what does your body really reveal about your health?
1 May 2025 7 min

Chronological and biological age: what does your body really reveal about your health?

Biological age measures how well your body is functioning compared to your actual age. Unlike chronological age, it reflects lifestyle, genetics, and habits. Learn how to assess and improve your biological age to boost your long-term health.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Your nutrition plan for candidiasis
30 April 2025 5 min

Your nutrition plan for candidiasis

Candidiasis is a yeast infection that can cause fatigue, skin irritation, or digestive issues. A targeted diet may help reduce symptoms and prevent yeast overgrowth. This article explains risk factors, symptoms, and which foods support or worsen candidiasis.

Cornelia Grabmeier Cornelia Grabmeier
Cortisol Levels: High, Low, Symptoms & Balance
30 April 2025 13 min

Cortisol Levels: High, Low, Symptoms & Balance

Cortisol is an important hormone that helps regulate stress, metabolism, blood pressure, and the sleep-wake cycle. Both high and low cortisol levels can affect health and may result from lifestyle factors or underlying medical conditions. Learn about common symptoms, possible causes, and ways to support a healthy cortisol balance.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
Stress, blood sugar and diabetes: is there a connection?
30 April 2025 9 min

Stress, blood sugar and diabetes: is there a connection?

Stress triggers hormonal changes that raise blood sugar levels and can increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Chronic stress may worsen existing diabetes and make self-care more difficult. This article explains the link between stress and diabetes, and provides 8 evidence-based strategies for stress reduction.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Gastrointestinal infection: tips for prevention and treatment
30 April 2025 6 min

Gastrointestinal infection: tips for prevention and treatment

Gastrointestinal infections, often called stomach flu, affect the digestive system and are usually caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This article covers causes, prevention, treatment, and when to see a doctor.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Hemochromatosis – symptoms, causes, and treatment
30 April 2025 8 min

Hemochromatosis – symptoms, causes, and treatment

Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes iron overload in the body, potentially damaging the liver, heart, and pancreas. Early symptoms are often vague. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe complications.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
What is jaundice?
30 April 2025 2 min

What is jaundice?

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes due to elevated bilirubin levels. It is not a disease itself but a symptom of underlying conditions. This article explains the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of jaundice.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
Signs of gluten intolerance
29 April 2025 8 min

Signs of gluten intolerance

Gluten intolerance includes celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy. Each has different causes but similar symptoms like bloating and fatigue. Learn how to diagnose and manage them.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
What is T4?
29 April 2025 3 min

What is T4?

T4 is a vital thyroid hormone affecting metabolism, body temperature, and mood. Both high and low T4 levels can cause serious health issues. Learn how to recognize and manage T4 imbalances.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
What symptoms occur with a vitamin deficiency?
29 April 2025 6 min

What symptoms occur with a vitamin deficiency?

Vitamins are essential for health and well-being. Deficiencies can cause symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and bone pain. Learn how to recognize and prevent them effectively.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
What are the functions of vitamins?
29 April 2025 5 min

What are the functions of vitamins?

Vitamins are vital for many body functions and must mostly come from diet. Deficiencies can cause serious health problems. Testing vitamin levels helps detect imbalances early and ensures proper treatment.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
HIV: symptoms, tests and treatment
29 April 2025 8 min

HIV: symptoms, tests and treatment

HIV attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS if untreated. Transmission occurs through specific body fluids, but effective treatments allow normal life. Testing and early intervention are crucial for long-term health.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
Calcium and calcium deficiency
23 April 2025 12 min

Calcium and calcium deficiency

Calcium is critical for bones, muscles, nerves, and more. Deficiency can lead to fatigue, cramps, or fractures. This blog explains how to prevent and treat low calcium levels and keep your body in balance.

Anna Röll Anna Röll
Common STI symptoms in men
23 April 2025 4 min

Common STI symptoms in men

STIs often have overlapping symptoms in men, making them hard to distinguish. Common signs include discharge, pain during urination, or fatigue. Prompt testing and treatment are essential, and many STIs can be diagnosed at home.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): how high is your risk?
23 April 2025 8 min

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): how high is your risk?

Sexually transmitted infections are more common than many people realize—and often misunderstood. This article debunks widespread STI myths and explains actual transmission routes, symptoms, and prevention. Take our quiz to assess your risk and find the right test. 

Cornelia Grabmeier Cornelia Grabmeier
Can herpes go away on its own?
23 April 2025 4 min

Can herpes go away on its own?

Herpes is caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2 and can affect the mouth or genitals. Many people carry the virus without symptoms. Learn how to manage and treat outbreaks effectively.

Lauren Dobischok Lauren Dobischok