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Chronic Endocrine Adaptation

Meaning

Chronic Endocrine Adaptation describes the long-term, sustained alterations in the function and regulation of the endocrine system in response to persistent environmental, metabolic, or psychological stressors. This process involves a remodeling of hormonal set points, receptor sensitivity, and feedback loop dynamics to maintain allostasis under chronic duress. Examples include sustained cortisol elevation in chronic stress or insulin resistance following years of dietary excess. This adaptation, while protective initially, often leads to long-term systemic compromise.