— Glossary

Plain-language medicine.

Hormones, peptides, weight-loss medications, aesthetics — defined in plain English. A reference for the terms you’ll hear in our consults and on this site, written to inform rather than diagnose.

A1C: A blood test, also written HbA1c, that reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. It is commonly used to screen for and monitor prediabetes and diabetes. Medical Weight Loss →
Adrenal Function: How well the adrenal glands produce hormones such as cortisol and DHEA that support stress response, metabolism, and energy. Evaluating it can be part of a broader hormonal assessment. Hormone Replacement Therapy →
Andropause: A term for the gradual, age-related decline in testosterone in men, sometimes called “male menopause.” It may contribute to fatigue, low libido, mood changes, and loss of muscle mass. Men’s Health →
Bioidentical Hormones: Hormones that are structurally identical to the ones your body makes, derived from plant sources and used in hormone replacement therapy. They aim to match your natural hormones rather than mimic them with a different molecule. Hormone Replacement Therapy →
BMI: Body mass index, a screening number calculated from height and weight that estimates whether someone is at a healthy weight. It is a rough indicator and does not account for muscle or fat distribution. Medical Weight Loss →
Body Composition (InBody): A measurement of what your weight is made of — fat, muscle, and water — rather than the number on the scale alone. InBody is a common device that estimates these values to track progress over time. Medical Weight Loss →
Botox (Neuromodulator): A purified botulinum toxin injectable that temporarily relaxes specific facial muscles to soften lines such as frown lines and crow’s feet. Results typically last a few months. Botox is one brand of neuromodulator. Botox →
BPC-157: A peptide studied for its potential role in tissue repair and recovery. Evidence is still largely preclinical, so it should only be used under qualified medical supervision. Peptide Therapy →
CJC-1295: A peptide that stimulates the body’s own release of growth hormone, often combined with ipamorelin. It is used with the goal of supporting recovery, body composition, and sleep. Peptide Therapy →
CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis): A non-surgical body-contouring treatment that uses controlled cooling to reduce stubborn pockets of fat, a process known as cryolipolysis. It targets fat cells without affecting surrounding tissue. CoolSculpting Elite →
Cortisol: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate stress response, blood sugar, and metabolism. Levels naturally rise and fall through the day, and persistent imbalances can affect energy and sleep. Hormone Replacement Therapy →
Dermal Filler: An injectable gel, often made of hyaluronic acid, used to restore volume, smooth folds, or enhance facial contours. Results are temporary and vary by product and area treated. Aesthetics →
DHEA: A hormone made by the adrenal glands that serves as a building block for other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Levels decline with age and are sometimes assessed during hormonal evaluation. Hormone Replacement Therapy →
Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual activity. It can have hormonal, vascular, neurological, or psychological causes and is often a treatable condition. Men’s Health →
Estradiol: The most active form of estrogen and the one most often measured in blood tests and used in hormone therapy. It is a common marker clinicians track when calibrating estrogen replacement. Hormone Replacement Therapy →
Estrogen: A group of hormones central to female reproductive health that also supports bone, skin, mood, and cardiovascular function. Declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause drives many of the symptoms women experience. Women’s Health →
Estrogen Dominance: A relative imbalance in which estrogen is high compared with progesterone, which some clinicians associate with symptoms like bloating, mood changes, and heavy periods. It is best evaluated with appropriate lab testing. Women’s Health →
Estrogen Patch: A transdermal patch worn on the skin that delivers estrogen steadily into the bloodstream, used as one option in women’s hormone therapy. It bypasses the digestive system and is changed on a set schedule. Hormone Replacement Therapy →
Exosomes: Tiny vesicles that cells use to carry signaling molecules, studied in aesthetics and hair restoration for their potential to support skin and tissue rejuvenation. Clinical evidence is still developing. Aesthetics →
Free Testosterone: The portion of testosterone in the blood that is not bound to proteins and is available for the body to use. It is often measured alongside total testosterone for a fuller picture of hormone status. Men’s Health →
GHK-Cu: A copper-binding peptide studied for skin health, wound healing, and anti-aging properties. It is used in some topical and injectable formulations under professional guidance. Peptide Therapy →
GLP-1: Glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. Medications that mimic it are widely used to support weight loss and manage type 2 diabetes. Medical Weight Loss →
Hair Restoration: A range of medical treatments — such as PRP, topical or oral medications, and supportive therapies — aimed at slowing hair loss and encouraging regrowth. Plans depend on the cause and pattern of loss. Hair Loss Restoration →
Hormone Pellet: A small, rice-sized pellet of bioidentical hormone placed under the skin that releases a steady dose over several months. It offers an alternative to creams, patches, or injections. Hormone Pellet Therapy →
HRT: Hormone replacement therapy — the use of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone to relieve symptoms caused by age-related or other hormonal decline. Plans are individualized to your labs and goals. Hormone Replacement Therapy →
Hyaluronic Acid: A naturally occurring sugar molecule in the skin that holds water and supports hydration and volume. It is a common ingredient in dermal fillers and skincare. Aesthetics →
HydraFacial: A multi-step facial treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin using a specialized device. It is designed to be gentle with little to no downtime. HydraFacial →
Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid produces too little hormone, which can cause fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, and low mood. It is usually diagnosed with blood tests and managed with thyroid medication. Thyroid Hormone Therapy →
Ipamorelin: A peptide that prompts a gentle, targeted release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. It is frequently paired with CJC-1295 in peptide protocols. Peptide Therapy →
Lean Body Mass: The portion of your body weight that is not fat, including muscle, bone, organs, and water. Preserving lean mass is an important goal during weight loss to protect metabolism and strength. Medical Weight Loss →
Libido: A person’s overall sex drive or desire for sexual activity, influenced by hormones, mood, stress, sleep, relationships, and general health. Changes in libido can sometimes signal an underlying hormonal imbalance. Hormone Replacement Therapy →
Lipid Panel: A blood test that measures cholesterol and triglycerides, including LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol, to assess cardiovascular risk. It is a standard part of metabolic and preventive screening. Medical Weight Loss →
Menopause: The point, confirmed after twelve consecutive months without a period, when menstruation permanently ends and ovarian hormone production drops. It commonly brings hot flashes, sleep changes, and mood shifts. Women’s Health →
Metabolic Panel: A group of blood tests that measure markers such as glucose, kidney function, and electrolytes to give a snapshot of your metabolism and organ health. It is often part of a baseline workup. Medical Weight Loss →
Microneedling: A treatment that uses fine needles to create tiny controlled punctures in the skin, prompting a natural healing response that can improve texture, tone, and firmness. It is often combined with serums or PRP. Microneedling →
MOTS-c: A naturally occurring peptide derived from mitochondria that is being studied for its role in metabolism and energy regulation. Research in humans is still early. Peptide Therapy →
Mounjaro: A brand name for tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 medication approved to treat type 2 diabetes that also supports weight loss. It is administered as a once-weekly injection. Medical Weight Loss →
Ozempic: A brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 medication originally approved to treat type 2 diabetes that also supports weight loss. It is given as a once-weekly injection. Medical Weight Loss →
PDO Threads: Dissolvable sutures made of polydioxanone inserted under the skin to lift and support sagging tissue and stimulate collagen. The threads gradually absorb while the supportive effect can persist. PDO Threads →
Peptide: A short chain of amino acids that acts as a signaling molecule in the body, influencing processes like growth, repair, and metabolism. In medicine, specific peptides are used to support targeted health goals. Peptide Therapy →
Perimenopause: The transitional years leading up to menopause when hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms like irregular cycles, sleep disruption, and mood changes often begin. It can last several years before periods stop entirely. Women’s Health →
Phentermine: An appetite-suppressing medication prescribed for short-term weight management alongside diet and exercise. It is a stimulant and requires medical screening and supervision. Medical Weight Loss →
Progesterone: A hormone that helps balance estrogen, supports the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, and may aid sleep and mood. It is often prescribed alongside estrogen in women’s hormone therapy. Hormone Replacement Therapy →
PRP: Platelet-rich plasma, a concentrate made from a small sample of your own blood that contains growth factors. It is used in aesthetics and hair restoration to support tissue repair and rejuvenation. Hair Loss Restoration →
Semaglutide: A GLP-1 receptor agonist medication that lowers appetite and slows stomach emptying, helping many people lose weight when paired with diet and lifestyle changes. It is sold under brand names including Ozempic and Wegovy. Medical Weight Loss →
Sermorelin: A peptide that encourages the pituitary gland to release the body’s own growth hormone. It is used in peptide therapy with the aim of supporting recovery, sleep, and body composition. Peptide Therapy →
Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic energy pulses to tissue, used in men’s health to support blood flow and erectile function. It is typically performed as a series of sessions. Men’s Health →
T3 and T4: The two main thyroid hormones — T4 (thyroxine) is the storage form and T3 (triiodothyronine) is the more active form that drives metabolism. Both can be measured to assess thyroid health. Thyroid Hormone Therapy →
Tesamorelin: A peptide that stimulates growth hormone release and has been studied specifically for reducing excess abdominal fat. It is used under medical guidance as part of a broader plan. Peptide Therapy →
Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone, also present in smaller amounts in women, that influences muscle mass, energy, mood, bone density, and libido. Levels typically decline gradually with age in both sexes. Men’s Health →
Thyroid: A butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism, energy, and temperature. Under- or over-active thyroid function can affect weight, mood, and many other systems. Thyroid Hormone Therapy →
Tirzepatide: A medication that activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors to reduce appetite and improve blood sugar control, used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. It is sold under brand names including Mounjaro and Zepbound. Medical Weight Loss →
TRT: Testosterone replacement therapy — the medically supervised use of testosterone to restore levels in people with a confirmed deficiency. It is typically guided by lab testing and ongoing monitoring. Men’s Health →
TSH: Thyroid-stimulating hormone, a pituitary signal that tells the thyroid how much hormone to make. It is the most common first-line blood test used to screen thyroid function. Thyroid Hormone Therapy →
Ultra Femme 360: A non-surgical radiofrequency treatment for women’s intimate wellness, used to address concerns such as tissue laxity and related symptoms. It is typically performed as a short series of sessions. Ultra Femme 360 →
Vaginal Rejuvenation: A category of non-surgical treatments that aim to improve vaginal tone, comfort, and related symptoms, often using radiofrequency or similar energy. Goals and suitability are determined in consultation. Women’s Health →
Visceral Fat: Fat stored deep in the abdomen around internal organs, which is more strongly linked to metabolic and cardiovascular risk than fat just under the skin. Reducing it is often a goal of medical weight loss. Medical Weight Loss →
Wegovy: A brand name for semaglutide approved specifically for chronic weight management in eligible adults and adolescents. It is given as a once-weekly injection alongside lifestyle changes. Medical Weight Loss →

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