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Physiological Trough Levels

Meaning

Physiological Trough Levels refer to the lowest concentration of a circulating substance, such as a hormone or metabolite, measured within a specific time frame, often corresponding to a nadir in a circadian rhythm or the minimum concentration just before a scheduled dose. In endocrinology, measuring the trough level of hormones like cortisol or administered replacement hormones is clinically vital for assessing the effectiveness of an endogenous rhythm or the dosing regimen’s adequacy. This metric provides insight into the functional reserve and the potential for sub-optimal signaling.