Hormone Glossary

Identical to the substance in the human body; bioidentical estrogen.

Used to describe hormone supplementation for female menopause with estradiol and progesterone, or male menopause with testosterone, but can also include dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), estriol or estrone. BHRT is part of a growing practice of restorative endocrinology of restoring several well-known human hormones to optimal levels and effects with the use of bioidentical hormones.

Substances with the exact same molecular structure as those made in the human body, which produce the same physiologic responses as the body’s natural hormones.

A Laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample that is usually extracted from a vein in the arm using a needle, or via a fingerprick.

An inflammatory marker - a protein that the body releases in response to inflammation. Thus, elevated levels of CRP in the blood mean that there is inflammation somewhere in the body. CRP is not normally present in the blood of a healthy patient. CRP levels can increase by as much as 1000-times with inflammation. Conditions that commonly lead to marked changes in CRP include infection, trauma, surgery, burns, inflammatory conditions, and advanced cancer. Moderate changes occur after strenuous exercise, heatstroke, and childbirth. Psychological stress and some psychiatric illnesses can cause small changes in CRP levels. CRP is the only inflammatory marker that has been found to be an indicator of heart health. Therefore, doctors often carry out a CRP test at the same time as cholesterol and other lipid tests to help predict a patient's risk of heart attack.

A usually microscopic structure containing nuclear and cytoplasmic material enclosed by a semi-permeable membrane; the basic structural unit of all organisms.

The interface between the cellular machinery inside the cell and the fluid outside. A semi-permeable lipid bilayer found in all cells containing biological molecules, primarily proteins and lipids.

A central nervous system disorder in which the brain signal for breathing is delayed. Often caused by injury or disease affecting the brain stem.

An approximate daily periodicity, a roughly 24-hour cycle in the biochemical, physiological or behavioral processes of living beings. These rhythms allow organisms to anticipate and prepare for precise and regular environmental changes.

A test that gives information about the cells in a person’s blood including the white blood cells (leukocytes), red blood cells (erythrocytes) and platelets.

To produce or create by combining two or more ingredients or parts: pharmacists compounding prescriptions.

A specialized pharmacy that hand makes individualized bioidentical hormone prescriptions. (compounding pharmacies)

To cause a substance to undergo a chemical change. (conversion)

A yellow, progesterone-secreting mass of cells that forms from an ovarian follicle after the release of a mature egg.

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland which regulates carbohydrate metabolism, stress and maintains blood pressure. Also called hydrocortisone.

A form of chemical bonding that is characterized by the sharing of paris of electrons between atoms, or between atoms and other covalent bonds.

The amount lacked; a shortage: an estrogen deficiency or vitamin deficiency.

Of, relating to, involving, or tending to cause degeneration; to diminish in quality, esp. for a former state of coherence, balance, integrity, etc.

A steroid hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands and sold in synthetic form as a nutritional supplement.