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Exogenous Hormone Suppression

Meaning

Exogenous Hormone Suppression is the predictable physiological response where the introduction of a hormone from an external source leads to a significant reduction or complete cessation of the body’s own native, or endogenous, production of that hormone. This phenomenon is a direct consequence of the body’s natural negative feedback loops within the endocrine axes, primarily affecting the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) or Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) systems. Clinically, this suppression must be anticipated and managed to prevent secondary endocrine gland atrophy or functional dependence.