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Endocrine Programming

Meaning

Endocrine programming refers to the process where an environmental stimulus, nutritional imbalance, or hormonal exposure during a critical window of development, such as in utero or early postnatal life, induces permanent changes in the structure or function of the endocrine system. These alterations establish a persistent metabolic or hormonal phenotype that may predispose the individual to chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders, later in life. This concept highlights the long-term consequences of early-life endocrine environment.