What is the Origin of Chronic Stress Recovery?

This concept is a modern clinical application stemming from the work of Hans Selye on the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), which described the body's three-stage response to stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Chronic Stress Recovery addresses the exhaustion phase, which is characterized by HPA axis fatigue and subsequent endocrine and immune system impairment. It is a core tenet of functional and integrative endocrinology.

What is the Mechanism of Chronic Stress Recovery?

Recovery involves a multi-faceted approach centered on downregulating the sympathetic nervous system and repairing the HPA axis feedback loop sensitivity. This is achieved through targeted nutritional support for adrenal health, strategic lifestyle modifications to improve sleep and circadian rhythm, and often the judicious use of adaptogenic agents or low-dose hormone precursors. The mechanism focuses on reducing chronic inflammatory signaling that perpetuates high cortisol output.

Chronic Stress Recovery

Meaning

Chronic Stress Recovery is the therapeutic process aimed at reversing the physiological and endocrine dysregulation caused by prolonged activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This recovery phase focuses on restoring hormonal balance, particularly normalizing cortisol rhythm and mitigating the downstream effects on thyroid, gonadal, and metabolic function. The clinical goal is to transition the body from a persistent state of catabolic high-alert back to anabolic homeostasis and adaptive resilience.