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Glucocorticoid Metabolites

Meaning

Glucocorticoid Metabolites are the downstream chemical compounds produced when the body enzymatically breaks down active glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol, primarily in the liver. These metabolites, including tetrahydrocortisol and tetrahydrocortisone, are generally biologically inactive or possess significantly reduced affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor. Measuring the excretion of these metabolites in urine provides a comprehensive, time-integrated assessment of total cortisol production and metabolic clearance over a 24-hour period, offering a distinct advantage over single-point serum measurements. The profile of these metabolites can also reveal critical information about the activity of specific steroid-metabolizing enzymes.