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Poor Metabolizer

Meaning

A Poor Metabolizer is a clinical classification for an individual who possesses specific genetic polymorphisms, often in Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, that result in a significantly reduced functional capacity to metabolize certain pharmaceutical drugs or endogenous compounds, including some hormones. This diminished enzymatic activity leads to higher-than-expected concentrations of the parent compound in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions or hormonal accumulation. Identifying a poor metabolizer phenotype is crucial for precision dosing and safety in all forms of hormonal therapies.