ADRENAL GLANDS
Produce several hormones including cortisol and DHEA. These glands take over at menopause to become the main source of all sex hormone production in the body.
ADRENAL IMBALANCE
Also known as low adrenal reserve or adrenal insufficiency, leading to adrenal fatigue.
This condition occurs when the adrenals no longer produce enough cortisol to meet bodily demand and is a result of prolonged stress (emotional, viral, physical).
Adrenal support includes adequate rest, exercise, nutrition, and supplementation with physician guidance.
ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN (ACTH)
Hormone made by the pituitary gland that stimulates production of adrenal hormones.
ANDROGENS
Testosterone and DHEA (anabolic hormones) that build and maintain skin, bone, and muscle. DHEA is linked to energy, immune function, mood, and mental function.
Testosterone maintains muscle mass, bone density, skin elasticity, sex drive, and cardiovascular health in both sexes.
ANDROGEN DOMINANCE
Excessive androgens, relative to inadequate estrogen or progesterone levels.
Can cause acne, increased facial/body hair, and loss of scalp hair.
ANDROPAUSE
Also called male menopause. Occurs as testosterone and DHEA decrease with age.
ANDROSTENEDIONE
An androgen necessary for the synthesis of both estrogen and testosterone.
ANOVULATION / ANOVULATORY
Suspension or cessation of ovulation.
AROMATASE
An enzyme predominantly in fat tissue that converts androgens to estrogens.
BIOAVAILABLE
The unbound (free) fraction of a hormone that enters target tissues. Measurable in saliva.
BIOIDENTICAL
Hormones derived from natural plant compounds (e.g., soy) and synthesized to duplicate naturally occurring human hormones.
BLOOD SPOT TESTING
Minimally invasive hormone testing using dried blood drops on filter paper.
Avoids venipuncture and reduces pain and stress that can affect test accuracy.
COMPOUNDING PHARMACIST
A pharmacist skilled in formulating natural, bioidentical hormone supplements tailored to individual needs.
CORPUS LUTEUM
Formed from the ruptured ovarian follicle that released the egg; produces progesterone.
CORTISOL
Produced by the adrenal glands. Regulates stress response, glucose metabolism, and immune function.
Excess cortisol breaks down tissue, weakening immunity and promoting stress-related illness.
DHEA (DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE)
Adrenal hormone that converts to androgens and estrogens. Needed for energy, stamina, mental outlook, and immune function.
DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE (DHT)
A potent metabolite of testosterone.
Three times more potent than testosterone.
Linked to male pattern baldness and prostate issues.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Group of glands that produce most of the body’s hormones.
DOWN-REGULATION OF RECEPTOR SITES
A negative feedback response to excess hormones causing tissue desensitization and reduced receptor sites.
ENDOGENOUS
Originating from within the body.
ENDOMETRIOSIS
Abnormal growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus. Associated with estrogen dominance.
ESTRADIOL
Primary and most potent estrogen during reproductive years.
ESTRIOL
The weakest and most benign of the three natural estrogens.
ESTROGENS
Family of hormones (estradiol, estrone, estriol) essential for sexual development and maintaining reproductive tissues, breasts, bones, skin, and brain.
ESTROGEN DOMINANCE
Excess estrogen without adequate progesterone (women) or testosterone (men).
Symptoms include breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, and depression.
Associated with risk of breast and prostate cancer.
ESTRONE
A major circulating estrogen after menopause.
FIBROCYSTIC BREASTS
Tender, painful, swollen breasts; sign of estrogen dominance.
FINGER STICK
Method of collecting blood using a lancet. See venipuncture.
FOLLICULAR PHASE
First half of the menstrual cycle when estrogen builds up to trigger ovulation.
FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH)
Pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation.
High levels may mark menopause or andropause.
FREE TESTOSTERONE INDEX
Ratio of testosterone to SHBG — indicates bioavailable testosterone.
FREE TRIIODOTHYRONINE (fT3)
Active form of thyroid hormone, essential for physical and mental health.
FREE THYROXINE (fT4)
Main inactive thyroid hormone that converts into T3.
GLUCOCORTICOIDS
Hormones (mainly cortisol) produced by the adrenal glands.
GOITER
Enlargement of the thyroid gland.
HORMONE
Chemical messenger regulating bodily functions via the bloodstream.
HORMONE IMBALANCE
Deficiency or excess of one or more hormones relative to interacting hormones.
HYPERTHYROIDISM
Overactive thyroid function.
HYPOADRENIA
Low adrenal function.
HYPOTHYROIDISM
Underactive thyroid function.
Linked with estrogen dominance, cold intolerance, weight gain, hair loss, low libido, and depression.
HYSTERECTOMY
Surgical removal of uterus, often including ovaries, resulting in sudden “surgical menopause.”
INFERTILITY
Inability to become pregnant. Often linked to hormonal imbalance.
IGF-1
See insulin-like growth factor.
INSULIN
Pancreatic hormone that allows glucose to enter cells for energy.
INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR (IGF-1)
Indicator of human growth hormone levels.
Low IGF-1 associated with premature aging and reduced muscle/bone mass.
INSULIN RESISTANCE
Tissues fail to respond to insulin.
Increases risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH)
Signals ovulation and progesterone production in women; testosterone production in men.
LUTEAL PHASE
Second half of menstrual cycle when progesterone peaks.
LUTEAL INSUFFICIENCY
Inadequate progesterone production after ovulation.
MALE MENOPAUSE
See andropause.
MENSTRUATION
Monthly shedding of uterine lining.
MENOPAUSE / POSTMENOPAUSE
Cessation of menstruation for 12 months.
Marked by decline of reproductive hormones.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Bone loss influenced by low estrogen, progesterone, androgens, or high cortisol.
OSTEOBLASTS
Bone-building cells.
OSTEOCLASTS
Bone-destroying cells.
OVARIES
Female reproductive organs producing estrogen and progesterone.
OVARIAN STROMA
Ovarian tissue that can produce excess testosterone if hormones are imbalanced.
PANCREAS
Gland producing insulin.
PCOS (POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME)
Condition where undeveloped ovarian follicles form cysts.
Linked to high estrogen, low progesterone, and excess androgens/insulin.
PERIMENOPAUSE
5–10 years before menopause when hormones fluctuate.
PHYTOESTROGENS
Plant-based compounds with mild estrogen-like action.
PITUITARY GLAND
Brain gland producing hormones that regulate steroid hormone production. See FSH, LH.
PMS (PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME)
Physical and emotional symptoms from hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle.
PROGESTERONE/ESTRADIOL (Pg/E2) RATIO
Indicates balance between these two hormones.
PROGESTINS
Synthetic progesterone-like hormones with potential negative side effects.
PROGESTERONE
Hormone produced after ovulation and in small amounts by adrenals.
Calming, diuretic, balances estrogen, and supports many reproductive functions.
PROINFLAMMATORY STATE
Elevated CRP, often linked with cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA)
Protein produced by prostate; high levels indicate prostate enlargement.
PROTHROMBOTIC STATE
Increased clotting tendency, linked to CardioMetabolic Syndrome.
RECEPTOR SITES
Cell surface sites where hormones bind to enter cells.
SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN (SHBG)
Protein that binds hormones like testosterone and estrogen, reducing availability to tissues.
SOMATOMEDIN C
See insulin-like growth factor.
SUBLINGUAL
Means “under the tongue.”
TESTES
Male reproductive organs producing testosterone.
TESTOSTERONE
Anabolic hormone building bone, muscle, skin, and supporting libido and cardiovascular health.
THYROID
Gland regulating metabolism.
THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES (TPOab)
Antibodies that attack the thyroid gland in autoimmune thyroiditis.
THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH)
Pituitary hormone signaling the thyroid to produce T4, which converts to T3.
TPO
Thyroid peroxidase enzyme used by thyroid to make hormones.
TROCHE
Medicated lozenge used for hormone delivery.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
Pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar.
TISSUE DESENSITIZATION
Cells become unable to utilize hormones.
UTERINE FIBROID
Benign tumor of the uterus.
VASOMOTOR SYMPTOMS
Hot flashes and night sweats in perimenopause from hormonal fluctuation.
VENIPUNCTURE
Drawing blood with a needle.
VITAMIN D
Fat-soluble prohormone essential for immune function, bone health, and disease prevention.
Find out more>> Hormone Lab UK