What is the Origin of Cortisol Allostatic Load?

The concept combines the specific stress hormone "cortisol" with the broader physiological framework of "allostasis," which means achieving stability through change, and "allostatic load," the cumulative strain resulting from repeated or chronic allostasis. This term originates from neuroendocrinology and stress research, providing a metric for the long-term impact of chronic stress. It represents a shift from viewing stress as an acute event to a chronic, cumulative burden.

What is the Mechanism of Cortisol Allostatic Load?

When the body faces chronic stressors, the HPA axis remains persistently active, causing the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol continually or in an abnormal pattern. This sustained or dysregulated pattern of cortisol disrupts normal homeostatic processes, including immune function, glucose metabolism, and blood pressure regulation. The accumulation of these physiological imbalances, or the allostatic load, ultimately leads to a breakdown in adaptive capacity and contributes to chronic health issues and accelerated aging.

Cortisol Allostatic Load ∞ Area

Cortisol Allostatic Load

Meaning

Cortisol Allostatic Load is a cumulative measure representing the physiological cost of chronic exposure to elevated or dysregulated cortisol levels and other stress mediators, reflecting the wear and tear on the body’s regulatory systems over time. This load is not merely the level of cortisol at a single point but the total burden imposed by repeated or prolonged activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. High allostatic load is clinically associated with an increased risk for various metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune pathologies. Managing this load is a key focus in preventative health.