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Bioavailable Hormone Fraction

Meaning

The Bioavailable Hormone Fraction represents the portion of a circulating hormone that is physiologically active and capable of readily diffusing into target tissues to exert its biological effect. This fraction primarily consists of the unbound, or free, hormone plus the hormone weakly bound to albumin, excluding the fraction tightly bound to high-affinity binding globulins like Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG). Clinical assessment of this fraction provides a more accurate representation of tissue exposure and functional endocrine status than total hormone concentration alone. Maintaining an optimal bioavailable fraction is crucial for effective cellular signaling and homeostatic regulation.