GLOW HEALTH AND WELLNESS MEDICAL LIBRARY

Medical Library

Welcome to the Glow Health and Wellness Medical Library — a trusted educational resource created to help you better understand labs, hormones, conditions, and common health terms you may encounter on your wellness journey.

This library is designed to provide clear, easy-to-understand explanations so you can feel more informed and confident when discussing your health with a medical provider.

Educational Purpose Only

The content in this Medical Library is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare professional.

What You’ll Find in Our Medical Library

Lab Test Explanations

Simple, high-level explanations of commonly used functional and medical labs, including what they measure and why they may be ordered. Examples may include hormone testing, gut health panels, thyroid labs, and metabolic markers.

Conditions & Health Topics

Educational overviews of common health concerns related to hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and overall wellness. These explanations are meant to support understanding, not diagnose or treat medical conditions.

Hormone Definitions

Clear explanations of key hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and others, including their general role in the body and how imbalances may affect overall wellness.

Common Terms & Concepts

Straightforward definitions of frequently used wellness and functional medicine terms such as estrogen dominance, cortisol dysregulation, insulin resistance, peptides, and related concepts to help remove confusion and misinformation.

How to Use This Information

The Medical Library is intended to help you:

• Better understand labs and terminology discussed during appointments

• Prepare thoughtful questions for your provider

• Learn foundational concepts related to whole-body wellness

Individual health decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional.

Starter Entries — Lab Tests

DUTCH Test

The DUTCH Test is a comprehensive hormone test that measures hormone levels and hormone metabolites using urine samples. Providers may use this test to better understand patterns related to estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and melatonin activity. It is often used to evaluate hormone balance and stress response over time.

GI-MAP

The GI-MAP is a stool-based test designed to assess gut health by analyzing the presence of bacteria, parasites, viruses, and other markers related to digestion and inflammation. Providers may use this test to gain insight into gastrointestinal function and microbial balance.

Thyroid Panel

A thyroid panel typically includes multiple blood markers used to assess thyroid function. These markers help providers understand how the thyroid gland is functioning and how thyroid hormones may be influencing metabolism, energy levels, and overall wellness.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

A comprehensive metabolic panel is a blood test that measures several markers related to liver function, kidney function, blood sugar, and electrolyte balance. It provides general information about metabolic and organ health.

Starter Entries — Hormones

Estrogen

Estrogen is a primary sex hormone that plays a role in reproductive health, bone density, brain function, and cardiovascular health. Estrogen levels naturally fluctuate throughout life and may be evaluated when symptoms related to hormonal balance arise.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone involved in menstrual cycle regulation, pregnancy support, and nervous system balance. Providers may evaluate progesterone in relation to estrogen levels to better understand hormonal patterns.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone present in both men and women that contributes to muscle mass, bone strength, mood, libido, and energy. Levels naturally change with age and may be evaluated when symptoms suggest imbalance.

Cortisol

Cortisol is often referred to as the body’s primary stress hormone. It plays a role in metabolism, immune response, and energy regulation. Providers may evaluate cortisol patterns to understand how the body responds to stress.

Thyroid Hormones

Thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism, temperature, heart rate, and energy production. These hormones influence how the body uses energy and are commonly evaluated when fatigue or metabolic concerns are present.

Starter Entries — Medical & Functional Medicine Terms

Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance is a term used to describe a pattern where estrogen levels are higher relative to progesterone. It does not necessarily mean estrogen levels are elevated, but rather that the balance between hormones may be altered.

Cortisol Dysregulation

Cortisol dysregulation refers to patterns in cortisol production that may be higher, lower, or altered throughout the day. Providers may evaluate cortisol rhythms to better understand stress response and energy patterns.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. This can affect how the body regulates blood sugar and may be evaluated in relation to metabolic health.

Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body. They play roles in communication between cells and support various physiological processes.

Hormonal Balance

Hormonal balance refers to the relative relationship between hormones rather than a single hormone value. Providers often evaluate patterns and ratios to better understand overall wellness.

A–Z Glossary 

A – Androgens
C – Cortisol, Cortisol Dysregulation
D – DUTCH Test
E – Estrogen, Estrogen Dominance
G – GI-MAP
H – Hormonal Balance
I – Insulin Resistance
P – Peptides, Progesterone
T – Testosterone, Thyroid Panel, Thyroid Hormones