What is the Origin of Physiological Delivery?

This concept is foundational to the practice of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, stemming from the desire to overcome the inherent limitations and side-effect profiles of conventional synthetic hormone administration methods. The emphasis on "physiological" highlights the commitment to aligning exogenous hormone delivery with the body's intrinsic, rhythmic secretory patterns, such as the circadian rhythm of cortisol or the pulsatile release of sex hormones.

What is the Mechanism of Physiological Delivery?

Delivery methods are carefully selected based on the specific hormone's natural route of action and its metabolic clearance profile. For example, transdermal creams, subcutaneous pellets, or precise oral micronized formulations are often chosen for sex hormones to strategically bypass first-pass hepatic metabolism, which more closely mirrors the direct gonadal secretion into the peripheral circulation. This precise method ensures that target tissues receive a consistent, appropriate signal, maximizing receptor engagement and minimizing the risk of adverse metabolic conversion or systemic overload.

Physiological Delivery

Meaning

Physiological Delivery is the clinical method of administering a therapeutic agent, particularly bioidentical hormones, in a manner that meticulously mimics the body’s natural, endogenous secretion patterns in terms of its timing, stable concentration, and peripheral route of absorption. The primary goal of this precise delivery approach is to maintain stable, non-supraphysiological hormone levels in the circulation, thereby minimizing the unnatural peaks and troughs that can lead to receptor downregulation or adverse side effects. It represents the clinical gold standard for achieving true hormonal bio-equivalence and optimal tissue signaling.