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Steroid Hormone Gradients

Meaning

The measurable differences in concentration of steroid hormones—such as testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol—across various physiological compartments, including plasma, saliva, intracellular fluid, and specific target tissues. These gradients are crucial indicators of tissue-level hormone availability and the efficiency of transport and metabolism. Clinically, understanding these concentration differences is vital for accurately assessing the biological impact of hormone therapy, especially when using transdermal or sublingual administration routes.