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Serum Hormone Limitations

Meaning

Serum Hormone Limitations refer to the inherent constraints and incomplete clinical picture provided by measuring only the total concentration of hormones circulating in the bloodstream. This measurement often fails to accurately reflect the biologically active, or “free,” hormone fraction available to tissues, nor does it account for cellular receptor sensitivity or local tissue metabolism. Relying solely on serum levels can lead to an underestimation or overestimation of true hormonal activity at the cellular level, making comprehensive hormonal assessment necessary for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. A complete evaluation requires considering binding proteins and tissue-level effects.