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Hormone Catabolism

Meaning

Hormone Catabolism is the essential metabolic process involving the enzymatic breakdown of active hormones into inactive metabolites, preparing them for conjugation and eventual excretion from the body. This is a critical regulatory mechanism that controls the duration and intensity of a hormone’s biological signal at its target tissues. Effective catabolism is vital for maintaining hormonal homeostasis, as impaired clearance can lead to states of functional hormone excess, even when production rates are normal.