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Hormonal Changes

Meaning

Hormonal changes refer to any measurable fluctuation or alteration in the concentration, rhythm, or responsiveness of endogenous hormones within the human body. These physiological shifts can be a natural, predictable part of the lifespan, such as the cyclical variations in sex hormones during the menstrual cycle or the gradual decline associated with perimenopause and andropause. Conversely, these changes can be pathological, resulting from glandular dysfunction, environmental toxin exposure, or chronic psychological stress impacting the HPA axis. Clinically, assessing hormonal changes requires precise measurement of free and total hormones, as well as their downstream metabolites, to understand the true biological effect. These alterations profoundly influence metabolism, mood, bone density, and reproductive capacity.