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Optimal Hormone Bioavailability

Meaning

Optimal Hormone Bioavailability is the clinical ideal state where the maximal amount of free, biologically active hormone is available to bind with its corresponding receptors in target tissues, eliciting the desired physiological effect. This status is determined not only by the total hormone concentration but also by the balance of carrier proteins, such as Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), which regulate the free fraction. Achieving optimal bioavailability ensures that hormonal replacement or endogenous production translates into effective cellular signaling and symptom resolution. Suboptimal bioavailability leads to symptoms of deficiency despite seemingly normal total hormone levels.