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Adrenal Stress Load

Meaning

Adrenal Stress Load represents the cumulative physiological burden placed upon the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis due to chronic or intense psychological, metabolic, and inflammatory challenges. This clinical term quantifies the persistent, long-term demand for adrenal hormone production, primarily cortisol, which is essential for the body’s continuous maintenance of allostasis. Sustained, unmitigated high demand on the HPA axis can eventually lead to significant dysregulation, profoundly impacting numerous downstream endocrine functions and overall resilience.