The study of how an individual’s unique genetic makeup influences their response to therapeutic drugs, combining the fields of pharmacology and genomics. This discipline uses genetic information to predict a patient’s likelihood of experiencing drug efficacy or adverse effects, moving clinical practice toward truly personalized medicine. Pharmacogenomics is a cornerstone of precision prescribing, especially in hormone replacement therapy and metabolic management.
Origin
The term is a portmanteau of pharmacology and genomics. While the observation of individual drug response variation is old, the systematic, gene-based study of these variations emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with the completion of the Human Genome Project and advances in DNA sequencing technology.
Mechanism
Pharmacogenomics operates by analyzing variations in specific genes that encode drug-metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters, and drug targets, such as hormone receptors. Polymorphisms in these genes can lead to rapid, slow, or altered metabolism of a medication, resulting in either sub-therapeutic or toxic drug levels. By identifying these genetic variants, clinicians can precisely adjust drug dosage or select alternative agents to optimize therapeutic outcomes and minimize risk.
A wellness program can legally ask for health data, including medical history and lab results, provided your participation is voluntary and your information is kept confidential.
Genetically guided protocols can reduce cardiovascular risks in hormone therapy by personalizing treatment based on an individual's unique genetic predispositions.
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