Cortisol Dominance Reversal is a therapeutic strategy aimed at mitigating the chronic, adverse physiological effects of persistently elevated cortisol levels, often resulting from prolonged stress or HPA axis dysregulation. This state, characterized by catabolic effects and suppressed anabolic processes, is detrimental to metabolic and reproductive health. The reversal process focuses on restoring a healthy diurnal cortisol rhythm and re-establishing an optimal balance with other key hormones, such as DHEA, testosterone, and progesterone. Achieving this reversal is crucial for improving sleep quality, managing visceral fat accumulation, and supporting immune function.
Origin
This term is rooted in functional and integrative endocrinology, acknowledging that while cortisol is essential, its chronic overproduction or lack of appropriate circadian fluctuation drives pathology. The concept is a clinical application of the established physiological understanding of the HPA axis and its interaction with the gonadal and thyroid axes. The term “dominance” highlights the detrimental shift in the anabolic-to-catabolic ratio, prompting targeted intervention. It is a lexicon used to describe the clinical objective in managing chronic stress-related hormonal profiles.
Mechanism
The reversal mechanism primarily involves lifestyle modifications—like stress reduction and circadian rhythm management—and targeted nutritional or botanical support designed to modulate HPA axis signaling. These interventions aim to decrease the perceived allostatic load, thereby reducing the drive for hypothalamic CRH and pituitary ACTH release. The goal is to enhance negative feedback sensitivity, allowing the body to naturally decrease cortisol secretion, especially during the evening hours. This recalibration promotes a shift back toward anabolic states, supporting tissue repair and hormonal synthesis.
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