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Precautionary Principle

Meaning

The Precautionary Principle is a philosophical and regulatory concept stating that if a policy or action raises plausible threats of harm to human health or the environment, protective action should be taken even if full scientific certainty regarding the risk is not yet established. In the domain of hormonal health, this principle guides clinical and regulatory decision-making, particularly concerning novel therapies or environmental endocrine disruptors where long-term safety data may be incomplete. It promotes a proactive, risk-averse approach to patient care and public health policy.