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Biologically Active Hormones

Meaning

Biologically Active Hormones represent the fraction of circulating hormones that are unbound to carrier proteins, such as Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) or albumin, and are thus free to interact with their specific cellular receptors to exert a physiological effect. This free fraction is the true determinant of hormonal signaling strength and is often a more accurate clinical indicator of tissue-level hormonal status than total hormone levels. Maintaining an optimal concentration of these active forms is essential for endocrine health and systemic homeostasis.