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Cortisol and GnIH Interaction

Meaning

The Cortisol and GnIH Interaction describes the complex regulatory cross-talk between the primary stress hormone, cortisol, and Gonadotropin-Inhibitory Hormone (GnIH) within the central nervous system. Elevated cortisol, a glucocorticoid released by the adrenal glands under stress, is known to modulate reproductive function via various mechanisms. Specifically, high circulating cortisol levels can stimulate the release or activity of GnIH, a neuropeptide that acts to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This interaction serves as a critical biological mechanism to inhibit reproduction during periods of significant physiological stress or energy deficit, preserving resources for survival.