Medical care shouldn’t feel confusing. At Peak Medical, we believe that knowledge is power—and that includes understanding functional medicine terms and treatments used in your care. Whether you’re exploring bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), medically assisted weight loss, thyroid optimization, IV drip therapy, or aesthetic treatments like Botox and fillers, our easy-to-navigate glossary of functional medicine terms is here to support you.

Adrenal Fatigue
A controversial term describing chronic stress-related fatigue due to dysregulated cortisol output from the adrenal glands. Common symptoms include low energy, brain fog, and disrupted sleep.

Autoimmune Condition
A disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Common examples include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Bioidentical Hormones
Hormones that are chemically identical to those the human body naturally produces. Used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to support balance and symptom relief in both men and women.

BMI (Body Mass Index)
A standard calculation using height and weight to assess body fat. Used as one indicator in medically assisted weight loss programs.

Brain Fog
A term describing mental cloudiness, forgetfulness, and lack of focus, often linked to hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, or chronic stress.

Chemical Peel
A skin-resurfacing procedure that removes the top layers of skin to improve texture and appearance.

Cortisol
The body’s primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. Imbalances can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes.

Compounded Medication
A custom-made medication prepared by a pharmacy to meet a patient’s unique dosage or ingredient needs—often used in BHRT and thyroid therapy.

Comprehensive Thyroid Panel
An in-depth blood test measuring TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies to assess thyroid function thoroughly.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
A precursor hormone involved in the production of testosterone and estrogen. Low levels can contribute to fatigue, low libido, and aging symptoms.

Dermal Fillers

Injectable substances used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours.

Estrogen Dominance

A condition where estrogen levels are disproportionately high relative to progesterone, potentially leading to symptoms like mood swings and weight gain.

Functional Medicine
An integrative, root-cause approach to health that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of disease, rather than just treating symptoms.

GLP-1 Medications
A class of injectable drugs that mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. Includes medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, used for diabetes control, weight loss, and blood sugar regulation.

Glutathione
The body’s master antioxidant, used in IV therapy to detoxify the liver, brighten skin, and reduce oxidative stress.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
A cornerstone of functional medicine terms, HRT is treatment to restore hormonal balance using natural or synthetic hormones. Peak Medical offers bioidentical hormone therapy that is tailored differently for men and women’s needs.

Hormone Panel
A series of tests evaluating levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol to identify imbalances.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
An autoimmune condition where the body attacks the thyroid gland, often leading to hypothyroidism.

Inflammation

The body’s response to injury or infection, which can become chronic and contribute to various health issues if not managed.

IV Drip Therapy
Intravenous infusion of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for fast absorption and enhanced wellness. Common formulas include Myer’s Cocktail, Immunity Boost, and NAD+.

IV Nutrient Therapy

Intravenous administration of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support hydration, energy, and overall wellness.

Leptin
A hormone that helps regulate hunger and body weight. Resistance to leptin can lead to increased appetite and weight gain.

Lipotropic Injections
Injections containing compounds like B12, methionine, inositol, and choline that may aid in fat metabolism and weight loss efforts.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions—including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels—that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Myer’s Cocktail
A classic IV therapy formula that includes magnesium, B vitamins, and Vitamin C to boost energy, reduce stress, and support immune health.

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
A coenzyme that plays a critical role in energy metabolism, cellular repair, and brain function. Offered at Peak Medical via IV therapy, injections, or nasal spray.

Perimenopause
The transitional period before menopause when hormonal fluctuations cause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular periods.

Peptide Therapy
Targeted amino acid chains used to stimulate growth hormone, muscle repair, fat loss, and cellular regeneration.

Progesterone

A hormone playing a crucial role in regulating menstruation and supporting pregnancy; imbalances can affect mood and sleep.

Reverse T3 (rT3)
An inactive thyroid hormone that can block the action of active T3 in the body. Often elevated in stress-related thyroid dysfunction.

Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. It reduces appetite, improves blood sugar control, and promotes long-term fat loss.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism
A condition where TSH is elevated but Free T3 and T4 are still in range—often with symptoms. Commonly missed in standard lab reviews.

Tirzepatide
A dual-action GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and used off-label for weight loss.

Thyroid Optimization
A functional medicine approach to managing thyroid symptoms using a full lab panel, lifestyle support, and customized medication—not just TSH testing.