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Precursor Hormone Evaluation

Meaning

Precursor Hormone Evaluation is a clinical diagnostic strategy that involves measuring the circulating levels of steroid hormones that are biochemically upstream of the primary active hormones, such as measuring DHEA, pregnenolone, and androstenedione. This evaluation is critical because it provides insight into the adrenal and gonadal reserve capacity and the rate-limiting steps of the steroidogenesis pathway before final active hormones are produced. Assessing precursors helps to identify potential bottlenecks in hormone production or excess substrate availability that may be shunted into alternative, potentially unfavorable, metabolic pathways. It offers a proactive view of hormonal synthesis capacity.