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Allostatic Load

Meaning

Allostatic Load represents the cumulative wear and tear on the body resulting from chronic or excessive activation of the body’s stress response systems. This physiological burden reflects the long-term cost of adaptation to repeated or persistent challenges, often manifesting as dysregulation in key endocrine feedback loops. Clinically, elevated load indicates a compromised ability to maintain homeostasis under duress. We observe this through alterations in cortisol rhythms, sympathetic tone, and inflammatory markers. Sustained allostatic load is a critical factor in the development of chronic disease states.