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Chronic Stress Biomarker

Meaning

A Chronic Stress Biomarker is a measurable biological indicator reflecting prolonged, cumulative activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system. Common examples include sustained elevations in salivary or urinary cortisol, alterations in the cortisol awakening response (CAR), or changes in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate ratios. The persistent physiological dysregulation induced by chronic psychosocial or physical stressors manifests as a tangible, quantifiable deviation from eustatic norms. Identifying these biomarkers is essential for diagnosing allostatic load and guiding targeted interventions to restore endocrine resilience.