The physiological process where the body recalibrates the homeostatic range for a specific variable, such as hormone levels, in response to chronic internal or external stimuli. This adjustment allows the system to function optimally under new, sustained conditions, differing from the original set point. It represents a long-term adaptation within the endocrine axis.
Origin
Derived from cybernetic principles applied to physiology, the term originates from the concept of a thermostat maintaining a desired temperature, here applied to internal biochemical parameters. In endocrinology, this relates to feedback loop modulation over time. The concept underpins understanding long-term hormonal equilibrium shifts.
Mechanism
This adjustment often involves changes in receptor sensitivity or altered hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axis sensitivity to circulating hormones. For instance, chronic stress can shift the set point for cortisol feedback inhibition, requiring targeted intervention to restore prior equilibrium. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for interpreting persistent deviations from standard reference ranges.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.