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Cortisol Testosterone Reciprocity

Meaning

Cortisol Testosterone Reciprocity describes the fundamental inverse physiological relationship existing between the catabolic glucocorticoid cortisol and the anabolic androgen testosterone, representing a crucial dynamic balance for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and healthy reproductive function. Elevated, sustained cortisol concentrations, which often occur in response to persistent psychological or physical stress, tend to significantly suppress both the production and the action of testosterone. This critical reciprocal relationship demonstrates how chronic stress can shift the body into a prolonged catabolic state, severely impeding tissue recovery and promoting breakdown.