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Hormone Withdrawal Syndrome

Meaning

Hormone Withdrawal Syndrome is a clinical term describing the constellation of physical and psychological symptoms that manifest following the abrupt cessation or rapid dose reduction of exogenous hormone therapy. These symptoms arise as the body’s endocrine system struggles to compensate for the sudden drop in circulating hormone levels, which it had suppressed its own endogenous production to match the previous external supply. Common manifestations can include severe mood swings, fatigue, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and a temporary exacerbation of the original symptoms for which the therapy was initiated. This syndrome underscores the principle of HPA axis and HPG axis suppression by external administration.