Cortisol Axis Profiling is the precise clinical assessment of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis function through the measurement of cortisol and related metabolites over a defined time period, often utilizing multiple samples to capture the diurnal rhythm. This profiling reveals the body’s adaptive capacity to stress and helps identify dysregulation patterns, such as blunted morning response or evening elevation, which can impact sleep and immune function. It provides a detailed functional map of the primary stress-response system.
Origin
The term originates directly from the established neuroendocrinology of the HPA axis, the central regulatory system for the stress response. ‘Profiling’ denotes the use of serial measurements rather than a single static point, recognizing the pulsatile and circadian nature of cortisol secretion. This advanced diagnostic approach is essential for identifying subclinical adrenal dysfunction and stress-induced hormonal imbalance.
Mechanism
The HPA axis operates via a negative feedback loop, where the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), stimulating the pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn signals the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Profiling measures the end-product, cortisol, and its metabolites in saliva or urine to non-invasively map this complex neuroendocrine cascade. Understanding the chronobiology of this axis is paramount for effective therapeutic intervention and optimizing systemic homeostasis.
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