Patient Resources
Integrative Medicine Glossary
Plain-English definitions for the hormones, lab markers, treatments, and concepts you'll encounter at Meliora — and in conversations about your health.
A
Adrenal Hormones
Hormones produced by the adrenal glands, including cortisol, DHEA, and adrenaline. They regulate stress response, energy, metabolism, and immune function. Chronic stress depletes adrenal output over time, contributing to fatigue and hormonal imbalance across the entire axis.
Stress & Adrenal Regulation →Adrenal-Thyroid-Ovary Axis
The communication network between the adrenal glands, thyroid, and ovaries (or testes). When one part of the axis is dysregulated — particularly the adrenals under chronic stress — it disrupts the function of the others, producing cascading effects on energy, mood, sleep, and weight.
Andropause
The gradual decline of testosterone and other androgens in men, typically beginning in the late 30s to early 40s. Symptoms include fatigue, reduced libido, loss of muscle mass, mood changes, and cognitive dulling. Often called "male menopause," though the decline is more gradual than in women.
Testosterone Therapy →B
BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy)
A form of hormone therapy that uses hormones molecularly identical to those produced naturally by the human body — including estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical formulations are designed to bind to receptors exactly as endogenous hormones do. Meliora uses only bioidentical formulations.
Hormone Rebalancing at Meliora →Body Composition
A measure of what the body is made of — specifically the ratio of fat mass, lean muscle mass, bone density, and visceral fat. Unlike body weight alone, body composition provides a clinically meaningful picture of metabolic health. Meliora uses DEXA scanning as the gold standard for body composition analysis.
DEXA Body Composition Scan →BPC-157
A peptide derived from a gastric protein with well-documented regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in peptide therapy protocols to support gut healing, tissue repair, joint recovery, and systemic inflammation reduction.
Peptide Therapy →C
CJC-1295
A growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue used in peptide therapy. It stimulates the pituitary to produce more growth hormone, supporting fat metabolism, muscle preservation, sleep quality, and tissue recovery. Often combined with Ipamorelin for a synergistic effect.
Peptide Therapy →Comprehensive Assessment
The foundational first visit at Meliora — a 60-minute appointment in which Dr. Chua reviews a complete lab panel, health history, and symptom picture to build a personalized root-cause treatment plan. It evaluates hormones, nutrients, metabolic markers, and more against optimal (not just normal) ranges.
Book a Comprehensive Assessment →Cortisol
The primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. In healthy amounts, cortisol regulates blood sugar, immune response, and the sleep-wake cycle. Chronically elevated or dysregulated cortisol — from prolonged stress, poor sleep, or adrenal exhaustion — contributes to weight gain, immune suppression, hormonal disruption, and anxiety.
D
DEXA Scan
Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry — the clinical gold standard for measuring body composition. A DEXA scan quantifies total fat mass, lean muscle mass, bone mineral density, and visceral fat (the metabolically dangerous fat surrounding internal organs). It takes approximately 10 minutes and involves minimal radiation exposure.
DEXA Body Composition at Meliora →DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to both estrogen and testosterone. DHEA declines steadily with age and is associated with fatigue, low libido, mood instability, and loss of lean muscle mass. It is one of the markers in the Meliora comprehensive hormone panel and is replenished when levels are suboptimal.
DIM (Diindolylmethane)
A compound derived from cruciferous vegetables that supports healthy estrogen metabolism — promoting clearance of less favorable estrogen metabolites while supporting protective ones. Used at Meliora as part of estrogen dominance and hormonal balance protocols.
Dysbiosis
An imbalance in the gut microbiome — too many harmful bacteria, too few beneficial ones, or insufficient microbial diversity. Dysbiosis is associated with bloating, constipation, immune dysfunction, mood instability, and impaired absorption of hormones and nutrients.
Gut & Detox Support →E
Estradiol
The primary and most potent form of estrogen in women of reproductive age. Estradiol influences mood, bone density, cardiovascular health, skin integrity, cognition, libido, and vaginal health. Levels decline sharply during perimenopause and menopause. Meliora uses bioidentical estradiol in BHRT when indicated.
BHRT for Women →Estrogen
A class of sex hormones (including estradiol, estrone, and estriol) essential for female reproductive function, but also active in bone health, cardiovascular protection, brain function, skin, and metabolism in both women and men. Imbalance — whether too high or too low — produces wide-ranging symptoms.
Estrogen Dominance
A state in which estrogen levels are high relative to progesterone — either because estrogen is elevated, progesterone is insufficient, or both. Common symptoms include heavy periods, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, and weight gain around the hips. Meliora addresses estrogen dominance through progesterone support and targeted estrogen metabolism support.
F
Ferritin
A protein that stores iron in the body. Ferritin is the most sensitive marker of iron stores — low ferritin is one of the most common and underdiagnosed causes of fatigue, hair loss, cold intolerance, and impaired exercise recovery, even when other iron markers are in range. Meliora tests and targets ferritin at optimal (not just normal) levels.
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)
The active form of thyroid hormone that enters cells and drives metabolism, energy production, temperature regulation, mood, and cognition. Most thyroid evaluations check only TSH — but Free T3 is the hormone actually doing the work. Many patients with "normal" TSH have suboptimal Free T3 and continue to experience thyroid symptoms as a result.
Thyroid Optimization →Functional Medicine
A systems-based approach to medicine that seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease, rather than managing symptoms with medication alone. Functional medicine practitioners evaluate lifestyle, environment, genetics, and the interplay between body systems. Meliora is grounded in functional and integrative medicine principles.
G
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)
A hormone naturally produced in the gut that signals satiety to the brain, slows gastric emptying, and stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent way. GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide) mimic this action pharmacologically and are used in metabolic and weight optimization programs.
Weight & Metabolic Optimization →GLP-1 Therapy
A class of medications — GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists — that reduce appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote fat loss by activating gut-hormone pathways. At Meliora, GLP-1 therapy is part of the Metabolic Gold program for appropriate candidates, used alongside hormonal and nutritional optimization rather than as a standalone treatment.
Weight & Metabolic Optimization →Gut Microbiome
The vast community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in the digestive tract. The microbiome influences nutrient absorption, immune function, neurotransmitter production, hormone metabolism, and inflammation. A healthy, diverse microbiome is foundational to overall health.
Gut & Detox Support →H
HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c)
A blood marker that reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. Used to assess insulin resistance and diabetes risk. Meliora includes HbA1c in the metabolic panel as elevated levels — even within the "normal" range — can signal developing metabolic dysfunction before a formal diabetes diagnosis.
Hormone Optimization
The clinical practice of bringing hormone levels into a range associated with optimal health, energy, cognition, and quality of life — not just the "normal" population average. Hormone optimization involves testing, interpreting results against optimal ranges, and using BHRT and other interventions to restore balance.
Hormone Rebalancing at Meliora →HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis)
The feedback loop between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands that governs the body's stress response and cortisol production. Under chronic stress, the HPA axis becomes dysregulated — disrupting energy, sleep, mood, and hormonal balance throughout the body. Restoring HPA balance is central to the Stress & Adrenal Regulation pillar of the Meliora Method.
Stress & Adrenal Regulation →HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
A broad term for therapies that supplement declining hormones. HRT can refer to synthetic or bioidentical formulations. At Meliora, when HRT is indicated, only bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is used. The terms are often used interchangeably but the distinction in formulation type matters clinically.
I
IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1)
A hormone produced primarily in the liver in response to growth hormone signaling. IGF-1 levels reflect growth hormone status and are associated with muscle preservation, fat metabolism, cognitive function, and tissue repair. Optimal IGF-1 is an important marker in the Meliora anti-aging and metabolic panel.
Insulin Resistance
A condition in which the body's cells do not respond efficiently to insulin, requiring the pancreas to produce more to achieve the same blood sugar effect. Insulin resistance drives fat storage (especially visceral fat), fatigue, sugar cravings, and is a foundational driver of metabolic syndrome. Meliora screens for insulin resistance using fasting insulin and HbA1c.
Integrative Medicine
A medical approach that combines evidence-based conventional medicine with appropriate complementary therapies, treating the whole person — body, mind, and lifestyle — rather than isolated disease states. Meliora is an integrative medicine practice led by a triple board-certified physician.
Ipamorelin
A growth hormone secretagogue — a peptide that stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone in a pulsatile, natural pattern. Used in peptide therapy for body composition, sleep quality, and recovery. Frequently combined with CJC-1295 for a synergistic effect.
Peptide Therapy →IV Infusion Therapy
The intravenous delivery of nutrients, vitamins, and therapeutic compounds directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for near-complete bioavailability. Meliora offers targeted IV flows, NAD+, high-dose vitamin C, and glutathione — all mixed fresh and tailored to your labs.
IV Infusion Therapy at Meliora →L
Lab Panel
A set of blood (or other specimen) tests ordered together to evaluate a clinical question. The Meliora comprehensive lab panel is significantly broader than a standard physical — it includes a full sex hormone panel, thyroid panel, adrenal markers, metabolic markers, nutrient levels, and inflammatory markers, all interpreted against optimal ranges.
Advanced Diagnostics at Meliora →M
Menopause
The cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. Menopause is driven by the decline of estrogen and progesterone production from the ovaries. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep disruption, cognitive changes, and increased cardiovascular and bone health risks.
BHRT for Menopause →Metabolic Panel
A group of tests that evaluate the body's metabolic function — including blood sugar regulation (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c), liver and kidney function, and electrolytes. Meliora includes a comprehensive metabolic panel in the Comprehensive Assessment to identify insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and organ function.
Mitochondria
The cellular organelles responsible for producing ATP — the energy currency of the body. Mitochondrial efficiency directly affects stamina, metabolism, cognitive function, and aging. Mitochondrial support, including NAD+ therapy and certain nutrients, is part of the Metabolic & Mitochondrial Support pillar of the Meliora Method.
N
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
A coenzyme found in every living cell, essential for ATP (energy) production, DNA repair, and cellular aging regulation. NAD+ levels decline significantly with age and under chronic stress. IV NAD+ therapy is used at Meliora to support mitochondrial health, brain clarity, recovery, and energy in patients with depletion.
IV Infusion Therapy →Normal Range
Lab reference ranges derived from averaging a large, heterogeneous population — including people who are sick, medicated, or asymptomatic but unwell. A result within the "normal" range does not necessarily mean it is at a level where a person will feel well or function optimally. Meliora interprets all results against optimal ranges.
Nutrient Repletion
The systematic identification and correction of nutrient deficiencies using targeted, medical-grade supplementation. Common deficiencies at Meliora include ferritin, vitamin D, B12, and folate — all of which are directly linked to fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, mood instability, and impaired hormone function. Pillar 2 of the Meliora Method.
Nutrient Repletion at Meliora →O
Optimal Range
The level of a lab marker at which clinical research and Dr. Chua's patient experience show that people actually feel well — with good energy, healthy body composition, stable mood, and clear cognition. Optimal ranges are narrower and more precise than "normal" population reference ranges.
Osteoporosis
A condition of reduced bone mineral density that increases fracture risk. Estrogen and testosterone play a major role in maintaining bone density — their decline during menopause and andropause accelerates bone loss. BHRT, vitamin D3/K2, and weight-bearing exercise are key protective interventions.
P
Pellet Therapy
A method of delivering BHRT using small, rice-sized pellets implanted under the skin (typically in the hip or buttock). Pellets release hormones steadily over 3–6 months, mimicking the body's natural delivery pattern. They eliminate the need for daily application and provide consistent hormone levels.
Hormone Rebalancing at Meliora →Peptide Therapy
The therapeutic use of short-chain amino acid sequences (peptides) that act as signaling molecules — directing the body to perform specific functions such as releasing growth hormone, reducing inflammation, accelerating tissue healing, or improving metabolic function. Meliora uses clinically validated peptides within evidence-based protocols.
Peptide Therapy at Meliora →Perimenopause
The transitional phase leading up to menopause, during which hormone levels — particularly progesterone, then estrogen — begin to fluctuate and decline. Perimenopause can begin a decade before the final menstrual period and produces many of the same symptoms as menopause. It is a prime window for hormonal intervention.
BHRT for Women →Progesterone
A sex hormone produced primarily by the ovaries after ovulation. Progesterone balances estrogen, supports sleep, promotes calm, protects the uterine lining, and has anti-inflammatory effects. It is often the first hormone to decline in perimenopause. Meliora uses oral micronized progesterone (bioidentical) when indicated.
R
RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate)
The number of calories the body burns at rest to maintain basic physiological functions. RMR measurement helps determine whether metabolic rate is suppressed — a common finding in patients who have dieted repeatedly or have thyroid dysfunction. This data informs realistic caloric targets and metabolic treatment planning.
Root-Cause Medicine
A clinical philosophy that seeks to identify and correct the underlying physiological drivers of a patient's symptoms, rather than simply managing those symptoms with medication. Root-cause medicine asks why a system is failing — not just what the failure looks like. The Meliora Method is a structured expression of root-cause medicine.
The Meliora Method™ →S
SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin)
A protein produced by the liver that binds to sex hormones (particularly testosterone and estradiol), making them unavailable for use by cells. High SHBG can cause symptoms of low testosterone or estrogen even when total hormone levels appear normal. Meliora evaluates free and total hormone levels together with SHBG.
T
Testosterone
An androgen hormone essential for libido, energy, muscle mass, mood, cognitive function, and bone density in both men and women. Testosterone declines with age in both sexes — more gradually in men (andropause), more sharply during menopause in women. Meliora evaluates total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG.
Testosterone Therapy →The Meliora Method™
A five-pillar framework for root-cause health optimization created in 2025 by Dr. Rowena Chua — founder of Meliora Integrative Medicine. The Method addresses Hormone Rebalancing, Nutrient Repletion, Gut & Detox Optimization, Stress & Adrenal Regulation, and Metabolic & Mitochondrial Support simultaneously and in sequence. The framework reflects Dr. Chua's clinical insight that lasting results require addressing all five systems, because they are deeply interdependent.
The Meliora Method™ →Thyroid
A butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces thyroid hormones (primarily T4 and T3), which regulate metabolism, energy, body temperature, heart rate, digestion, and mood. Thyroid dysfunction — particularly hypothyroidism — is one of the most commonly missed diagnoses when only TSH is checked.
Thyroid Optimization at Meliora →TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
A hormone released by the pituitary gland that signals the thyroid to produce more hormone. TSH is the most commonly ordered thyroid test — but it is a signal, not the active hormone. Many patients with "normal" TSH have suboptimal Free T3 and active thyroid symptoms. Meliora evaluates the full thyroid panel, including Free T3, Free T4, and antibodies.
V
Visceral Fat
Fat stored deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding the internal organs. Unlike subcutaneous fat (under the skin), visceral fat is metabolically active — producing inflammatory cytokines and hormones that drive insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk, and systemic inflammation. DEXA scanning at Meliora quantifies visceral fat as part of body composition analysis.
DEXA Body Composition →Vitamin B12
An essential water-soluble vitamin critical for nerve function, DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and energy metabolism. B12 deficiency — common and frequently missed — produces fatigue, brain fog, mood instability, tingling extremities, and hair changes. Meliora offers B12 IM (intramuscular) injections for patients with depletion or impaired absorption.
Vitamin B12 Injections →Vitamin D
A fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a hormone, affecting over 2,000 genes. Vitamin D is essential for immune function, bone health, mood regulation, cardiovascular health, and cancer prevention. Deficiency is extremely common and consistently under-treated. Meliora targets vitamin D at an optimal (not just sufficient) level, typically using D3 with K2 for proper calcium metabolism.
Have a question about your health?
The Comprehensive Assessment is where we connect the dots between your labs, symptoms, and the terms you've been reading about.