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Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs)

Meaning

Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are a class of pharmaceutical agents that function by potently blocking the enzyme aromatase, a critical component in the biosynthesis of estrogens. These drugs are primarily utilized in the clinical management of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women by severely reducing circulating estrogen levels. In the context of hormonal health for men, AIs are sometimes employed off-label to manage supraphysiological estrogen elevation, particularly when arising from exogenous testosterone administration. The therapeutic goal is to modulate the endocrine environment, thereby inhibiting estrogen-dependent cellular proliferation and mitigating potential side effects like gynecomastia.