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Capability Approach

Meaning

The Capability Approach is a conceptual framework, rooted in welfare economics and ethics, that evaluates individual well-being and social justice not by resources held, but by the actual opportunities and freedom a person has to achieve the kind of life they value, often defined as their “capabilities” or functional freedoms. In the domain of hormonal health, this means assessing whether individuals possess the genuine physiological and societal ability to achieve optimal endocrine function, manage chronic conditions, and pursue longevity, moving beyond simply providing access to medication. It shifts the clinical focus from mere inputs to actual realized health outcomes and functional capacity.