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Endocrine System Autonomy

Meaning

Endocrine system autonomy describes a pathological state where an endocrine gland operates independently of its normal, centralized regulatory feedback loops, typically those involving the pituitary or hypothalamus, resulting in the uncontrolled secretion of hormones. This loss of hierarchical control leads to sustained excessive or deficient hormone production that is not responsive to the body’s actual physiological needs. A common clinical example is the autonomous hyperfunction of a thyroid adenoma secreting thyroxine irrespective of thyroid stimulating hormone levels.