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Cortisol Interference

Meaning

The disruption of normal physiological processes, particularly hormonal signaling and receptor binding, caused by excessive or inappropriately timed levels of the glucocorticoid hormone, cortisol. This interference can manifest as suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, leading to reduced production of sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Chronic stress, which elevates cortisol, is a common source of this endocrine interference. Clinically, recognizing this interference is essential for addressing symptoms that mimic primary hormonal deficiency and developing effective treatment plans.