HEALTH TERMS DECODED

A measure of body fat based on height and weight.

A hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.

A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist used to manage blood sugar and promote weight loss.

A GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.

The process of heat production in the body which can aid in calorie burning.

The rate at which the body burns calories for energy.

Fat stored around your stomach and surrounding organs, linked to higher health risk

An over-the-counter medication that reduces fat absorption in the digestive system.

A hormone that helps regulate hunger and energy balance.

Known as the “hunger hormone,” it stimulates appetite.

A group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

The feeling of fullness and reduced appetite after eating.

The inability to achieve or sustain an erection long enough for satisfactory sexual performance.

Ejaculation that occurs sooner than desired, often with minimal sexual stimulation.

Treatment aimed at restoring testosterone levels to alleviate symptoms of low testosterone.

A group of hormones that regulate male characteristics.

A condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone, affecting mood, energy, and sexual health.

A protein that binds to sex hormones like testosterone and estradiol, affecting their availability.

A term used for sexual drive or desire.

Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can lead to urination difficulties.

Enlargement of male breast tissue, often due to hormonal imbalance.

Low sperm count affecting fertility.

A condition where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the head of the penis.

The natural decline in reproductive hormones when a woman reaches her 40s and 50s.

The transition phase before menopause, marked by hormonal fluctuations.

A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and possibly infertility.

A condition where bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, often linked to hormonal change.

Treatment to relieve symptoms of menopause by replacing hormones the body no longer produces.

A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.

A diagnostic tool used to measure the density and strength of the bone to assess osteoporosis risk.

General term for hair loss from the scalp or body.

Commonly known as the hereditary condition, male-pattern baldness.

An autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss.

Hair loss caused by tension on the hair follicles, often due to hairstyles.

A hormone linked to hair loss in men and women.

A topical treatment that stimulates hair growth and slows hair loss.

An oral medication that reduces DHT levels to prevent hair loss.

The sheath of cells and connective tissue that surrounds the root of the hair.

Essential fats that benefit heart health and cognitive function.

Supports bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.

A mineral important for muscle function, nerve signalling, and energy production.

Essential for immune function, wound healing, and skin health.

Live bacteria that support gut health and immune function.

A protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and joint health.

A supplement often used to enhance muscle mass and performance.

A form of talk therapy that helps people identify and change negative thinking patterns.

A practice of staying present and fully engaging with the current moment.

A mental health condition characterised by excessive worry and fear.

A mood disorder causing persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.

A condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

A neurotransmitter that contributes to happiness and wellbeing.

A neurotransmitter linked to motivation, pleasure, and reward.

A medical test that examines components of the blood for health markers.

A liver function test checks how well your liver is working by measuring levels of enzymes, proteins, and substances like bilirubin in your blood. It helps detect liver damage, inflammation, or diseases such as hepatitis or fatty liver

A thyroid function test measures hormones like TSH, T3, and T4 to see how well your thyroid is performing. It’s used to diagnose conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which can affect energy, weight, and mood.

A full blood count measures different components of your blood, including red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, and platelets. It helps detect signs of anaemia, infection, inflammation, and other blood-related conditions. It’s a common and essential test for giving an overview of your general health.

An HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It shows how much glucose is attached to your red blood cells and is commonly used to diagnose or monitor diabetes and prediabetes. A higher HbA1c level means your blood sugar has been elevated for a prolonged period.

A method of drawing blood from a vein to measure health markers.

A method of drawing blood from a capillary, often a fingerprick, to measure health markers.

A U&Es test assesses kidney function and the balance of important minerals in your blood, including sodium, potassium, and urea. It’s useful for identifying dehydration, kidney issues, or problems with how your body regulates fluids and salts.

Measures the response to inflammation.

A PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and elevated levels can be a sign of prostate issues, including inflammation, enlargement, or prostate cancer. It’s typically used as a screening tool for men over 50 or those at higher risk.

An enzyme that helps break down proteins; elevated levels may indicate liver damage.

An enzyme found in the liver and heart; high levels can suggest liver or muscle damage.

An enzyme related to the bile ducts; often increased when they are blocked.

An enzyme that helps detect liver and bile duct issues.

A substance produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells; high levels can lead to jaundice.

A protein made by the liver; low levels can indicate liver or kidney problems.

A waste product from muscle activity; high levels can indicate impaired kidney function.

A waste product formed in the liver; elevated levels may suggest kidney dysfunction.

Measures the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood.

Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol; high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.

Known as “good” cholesterol; helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.

A type of fat in the blood; high levels can increase the risk of heart disease.

A calculation used to assess the risk of heart disease.