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Pharmacogenetics

Meaning

Pharmacogenetics is the scientific discipline that studies how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to therapeutic drugs, including variations in drug efficacy and the likelihood of experiencing adverse drug reactions. It focuses specifically on single gene variations, such as polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 enzymes, that affect drug metabolism, transport, and receptor binding. The application of pharmacogenetics in hormonal health aims to personalize dosing and selection of hormone therapies, moving beyond standardized protocols.