Endocrine feedback is a core physiological control system where the output of a hormone pathway influences its own production rate, ensuring precise hormonal concentration within the circulation. This regulatory mechanism is essential for maintaining physiological stability, preventing both overproduction and underproduction of critical signaling molecules. It is the fundamental principle governing the function of major hormonal axes, including the HPA and HPG systems.
Origin
The concept of feedback control is a general engineering principle applied to biology, but its specific endocrine origin lies in the early 20th-century discovery of hormone actions and their regulatory loops. Scientists observed that the removal of a target gland, like the thyroid, resulted in the hypersecretion of its stimulating hormone from the pituitary. This clinical observation formalized the existence of a continuous, bidirectional communication network between the endocrine organs and the central nervous system.
Mechanism
The mechanism operates through two primary modes: negative and positive feedback. Negative feedback, the most common type, occurs when high levels of a circulating hormone inhibit the release of the stimulating hormone from the pituitary or hypothalamus, effectively slowing down its own production. Conversely, positive feedback is a less common but powerful mechanism where a hormone’s presence stimulates further release, such as the estrogen surge leading to the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) peak during the menstrual cycle.
The 30 percent incentive calculation quantifies adherence to measurable behaviors that support the body's non-linear drive toward hormonal and metabolic set-point stability.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.