Skip to main content

Hormone Receptor Insensitivity

Meaning

Hormone receptor insensitivity is a pathological condition characterized by a diminished or absent cellular response to a hormone, despite the presence of normal or even elevated circulating hormone concentrations. This state results from a defect at the level of the target cell receptor, which can involve reduced receptor number, impaired binding affinity, or a fault in the post-receptor signaling cascade. Clinically, this insensitivity leads to symptoms of hormone deficiency, even though the endocrine gland is producing sufficient hormone. It represents a failure of communication at the cellular level.