Skip to main content

Hormonal Metabolic Pathways

Meaning

Hormonal metabolic pathways describe the intricate sequence of biochemical reactions that govern the synthesis, conversion, activation, inactivation, and ultimate excretion of hormones within the body. These pathways are highly interconnected, forming a complex network that ensures precise control over the endocrine system. They include the steroidogenesis cascade, which converts cholesterol into various sex and adrenal hormones, and the processes of conjugation and sulfation in the liver that prepare hormones for elimination. Understanding these pathways is essential for diagnosing hormonal imbalances and designing targeted therapeutic interventions.