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Cortisol Awakening Response Magnitude

Meaning

Cortisol Awakening Response Magnitude refers to the specific, quantifiable increase in the adrenal hormone cortisol that occurs shortly after waking, typically peaking around 30 to 45 minutes post-awakening. This physiological parameter measures the intensity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, serving as a critical biomarker for stress system reactivity and overall HPA axis function. Clinically, an optimal magnitude is associated with robust psychological and physiological resilience, while blunted or excessive responses can indicate chronic stress or HPA axis dysregulation. Monitoring this response provides essential insight into an individual’s neuroendocrine vitality.