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Oral Therapy

Meaning

Oral therapy refers to the administration of a therapeutic agent, such as a hormone or medication, by mouth for systemic absorption through the gastrointestinal tract. This route of delivery is often preferred for its convenience and patient compliance, but it necessitates the drug surviving the harsh acidic environment of the stomach and the significant first-pass metabolism in the liver. In hormonal health, the oral route can dramatically alter the efficacy and safety profile of certain steroids compared to non-oral methods.