Endocrine Suppression is a clinical intervention or physiological state characterized by the deliberate or pathological reduction in the synthesis or secretion of specific hormones by an endocrine gland. This is often a therapeutic goal, utilizing pharmacological agents to inhibit the overproduction of a hormone, such as in cases of hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions like Cushing’s syndrome. Conversely, it can also be an unintended side effect of certain medications or exogenous hormone administration, leading to glandular atrophy.
Origin
The term originates directly from the field of endocrinology, combining “endocrine,” referring to the system of hormone-secreting glands, with “suppression,” indicating a forceful inhibition or restraint of activity. This concept is fundamental to understanding feedback loops and the pharmacological manipulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-target organ axes. The clinical application of suppression dates back to early attempts to control hormone-driven diseases.
Mechanism
The primary mechanism of therapeutic endocrine suppression typically involves administering an exogenous agent that acts as a negative feedback signal to the pituitary or hypothalamus, reducing the release of stimulating trophic hormones. Alternatively, a drug may directly inhibit key enzymatic steps required for hormone biosynthesis within the target gland, such as the adrenal cortex or gonads. This interruption of the regulatory axis effectively lowers the circulating concentration of the target hormone.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.