Terminology Guide

A term used to describe a collection of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems, often related to chronic stress.

Often referred to as 'male menopause,' it is a condition associated with the decrease in the male hormone testosterone. Unlike menopause in women, the decrease in testosterone and the development of symptoms is more gradual.

An enzyme responsible for a key step in the biosynthesis of estrogens. In men, it converts testosterone into estradiol.

The use of hormones that are identical on a molecular level with endogenous hormones in hormone replacement therapy.

The proportion of a drug or other substance that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect.

A person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can indicate high body fatness.

A method of describing what the body is made of, differentiating between fat, protein, minerals, and body water to give a snapshot of health.

A medication sometimes used off-label in men to treat secondary hypogonadism by stimulating the body's own production of testosterone.

A steroid hormone that regulates a wide range of processes throughout the body, including metabolism and the immune response. It also has a very important role in helping the body respond to stress.

Dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone produced by your body's adrenal glands. It functions as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

A medication used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate and hair loss in men by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

The inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It's often treated with specialized therapies at Monarch.

A chemical messenger system consisting of hormones, the group of glands of an organism that secrete those hormones directly into the circulatory system to regulate the function of distant target organs.

An estrogen steroid hormone and the major female sex hormone. It is involved in the regulation of the estrous and menstrual female reproductive cycles.

Extracellular vesicles that are responsible for cell-to-cell communication. In regenerative medicine, they are used to stimulate healing and hair growth.

A medication used to treat hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT.

A hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries. In men, it helps control the production of sperm.

The testosterone in the body that is not attached to proteins and is freely available to be used by the body.

A hormone that plays multiple roles in human metabolism, including stimulating insulin secretion and suppressing appetite. Used in medical weight loss programs.

A hormone that can be used in men to stimulate the testes to produce testosterone and sperm.

A peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals.

The process of restoring hormones to their optimal levels to improve health, vitality, and well-being, rather than just treating them to 'normal' ranges.

A condition in which the male testes or the female ovaries produce little or no sex hormones.

A hormone that manages the effects of growth hormone (GH) in your body. Together, IGF-1 and GH promote normal growth of bones and tissues.

A person's overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity.

A hormone produced by gonadotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland. In men, it stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone.

A cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

A cosmetic procedure that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles. Used in hair restoration to stimulate the scalp.

A coenzyme found in all living cells. NAD+ therapy is used to combat aging, increase energy, and improve cognitive function.

A condition in which bone mineral density is lower than normal. It is considered by many doctors to be a precursor to osteoporosis.

A disease in which bone weakening increases the risk of a broken bone. It is the most common reason for a broken bone among the elderly.

Short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body, instructing other cells and molecules on what to do.

An endogenous steroid and progestogen sex hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis of humans and other species.

A protein produced by both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer.

A concentration of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood, centrifuged to remove red blood cells. Used to promote healing and hair growth.

The process of creating living, functional tissues to repair or replace tissue or organ function lost due to age, disease, damage, or congenital defects.

The degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality, and strength associated with aging.

A GLP-1 receptor agonist used in conjunction with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management.

A protein that binds to sex hormones (testosterone and estradiol) and carries them through the blood.

A non-invasive treatment that involves the delivery of acoustic waves to injured tissues to promote healing. Also used for treating ED.

An injection administered as a bolus into the subcutis, the layer of skin directly below the dermis and epidermis.

The primary male sex hormone and anabolic steroid. In men, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues and promotes secondary sexual characteristics.

A form of testosterone replacement therapy where small pellets are implanted under the skin to release a steady dose of testosterone over several months.

A pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T4), and then triiodothyronine (T3) which stimulates the metabolism of almost every tissue in the body.

A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and for weight management.

The total amount of testosterone in the blood, including both the testosterone attached to proteins and the free testosterone.

A medical treatment designed to restore testosterone levels to a healthy range in men with low testosterone.

Body fat that is stored within the abdominal cavity and is therefore stored around a number of important internal organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines.

A proactive approach to health that focuses on maximizing physical and mental performance, preventing disease, and extending healthspan.