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Cortisol Suppression Signaling

Meaning

Cortisol Suppression Signaling refers to the physiological feedback mechanism where high levels of circulating cortisol act on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to inhibit the further release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This crucial negative feedback loop is the body’s primary way to self-regulate the stress response and prevent excessive, prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids. Clinical evaluation of this signaling is essential for diagnosing conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or HPA axis exhaustion.