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Allostatic Load Behavioral Change

Meaning

The modification of health-related actions that occurs as a direct or indirect consequence of accumulated physiological wear and tear, known as allostatic load, on the body’s regulatory systems, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This shift in behavior often represents a subconscious attempt to cope with or mitigate the systemic consequences of chronic stress and hormonal dysregulation. Clinically, observing these shifts—such as altered sleep patterns, changes in diet, or avoidance of exercise—provides vital insight into a patient’s underlying neuroendocrine burden.