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Adrenal Gland Rhythm

Meaning

The Adrenal Gland Rhythm refers to the predictable, cyclical pattern of hormone secretion, primarily cortisol, orchestrated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis over a 24-hour period. This circadian fluctuation is crucial for regulating energy, metabolism, and the stress response throughout the day. A healthy rhythm is characterized by a sharp rise in cortisol upon waking, known as the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), followed by a gradual decline, reaching its nadir around midnight. Maintaining this robust rhythm is a key indicator of HPA axis resilience and overall hormonal homeostasis.