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Endocrine Resistance

Meaning

Endocrine resistance is a clinical state characterized by a diminished or absent biological response of target cells or tissues to normal or even elevated concentrations of a circulating hormone. This phenomenon is not due to a lack of the hormone itself but rather a defect in the post-receptor signaling pathway or a reduction in the number or affinity of the hormone’s specific cellular receptors. Insulin resistance is the most widely recognized example, but resistance can also occur with thyroid hormone, androgens, or vitamin D. Understanding this cellular insensitivity is critical for therapeutic strategy, as simply increasing the hormone dose may not be an effective or safe solution.