The systematic, often longitudinal, measurement and analysis of hormone concentrations and their rates of change within the circulation or target tissues over time. This kinetic assessment provides insight into the dynamic responsiveness of the endocrine system rather than just static baseline levels. It allows clinicians to understand throughput and turnover, which is vital for assessing true endocrine function.
Origin
Derived from pharmacology and endocrinology, ‘kinetics’ refers to the study of motion or change over time. Tracking implies continuous or serial monitoring, moving beyond single snapshot testing. This approach acknowledges that hormone action depends heavily on pulsatility and clearance rates, not just absolute concentration.
Mechanism
The process involves frequent sampling or continuous monitoring to capture fluctuations in hormone levels, such as the diurnal rhythm of cortisol or the pulsatile release of LH/FSH. Analyzing these curves helps identify issues like receptor downregulation or feedback loop impairment that static testing might miss. By understanding the rate of change, we can precisely tailor substrate delivery or exogenous support to match the system’s dynamic needs.
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