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Diurnal Hormone Patterns

Meaning

Diurnal hormone patterns describe the predictable, approximately 24-hour cyclical fluctuations in the secretion and circulating concentrations of various hormones, tightly regulated by the body’s internal circadian clock. These rhythms are critical for coordinating physiological functions with the light-dark cycle, ensuring processes like energy metabolism, stress response, and sleep-wake cycles occur at optimal times. Disruptions to these patterns, such as an inverted cortisol rhythm, are significant clinical indicators of systemic stress or dysregulation.