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Chronic Stress Pathophysiology

Meaning

Chronic Stress Pathophysiology describes the long-term, adverse biological consequences resulting from the sustained activation and eventual dysregulation of the body’s primary stress response systems, notably the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This state of persistent allostatic load leads to hormonal imbalances, including altered cortisol rhythms and catecholamine excess, alongside chronic systemic inflammation. It serves as the underlying mechanism for the development of numerous stress-related endocrine and metabolic disorders.