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Chronic Stress Recovery Timeline

Meaning

The Chronic Stress Recovery Timeline is a clinical construct representing the estimated period required for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and associated neuroendocrine systems to normalize following prolonged exposure to psychological or physiological stressors. This timeline is highly individualized, influenced by the duration and intensity of the stressor, the patient’s genetic predisposition, and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. It provides a realistic expectation for the resolution of stress-induced hormonal imbalances, such as cortisol dysregulation and adrenal fatigue symptoms. Recovery involves a phased return to homeostatic balance rather than an instantaneous correction.