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Cortisol Metabolic Competition

Meaning

Cortisol metabolic competition describes the phenomenon where elevated or chronically dysregulated cortisol levels can interfere with or inhibit the activity of key metabolic enzymes and receptor sites typically utilized by other crucial hormones, such as thyroid hormones and androgens. This competition can lead to a state of relative hormonal deficiency or resistance, even when the total circulating levels of the competing hormones appear adequate. The clinical consequence is often a reduced metabolic rate and impaired tissue repair.