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Hormone Conversion Rates

Meaning

Hormone Conversion Rates quantify the efficiency and speed at which precursor hormones are biochemically transformed into their active or inactive metabolites within the body. This critical process, occurring predominantly in the liver, peripheral tissues, and target cells, dictates the ultimate biological effect of a hormone. For example, the conversion of thyroid hormone T4 to the active T3, or testosterone to the potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or the inactive estradiol, significantly impacts clinical outcomes. These rates are highly variable among individuals and are sensitive to nutritional status, liver health, and enzyme cofactors.