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Endocrine Substrate Sufficiency

Meaning

Endocrine Substrate Sufficiency describes the clinical state where the body possesses adequate reserves of the precursor molecules and essential cofactors required for the optimal synthesis and metabolism of all necessary hormones. These critical substrates include cholesterol for steroid hormones, specific amino acids for thyroid hormones and peptides, and various vitamins and minerals that act as enzymatic cofactors. Achieving sufficiency is foundational, as a lack of these raw materials directly impairs the endocrine glands’ ability to maintain hormonal homeostasis, irrespective of adequate glandular stimulation.