Skip to main content

Exercise-Induced Adrenal Strain

Meaning

Exercise-Induced Adrenal Strain is a physiological state characterized by a transient or prolonged perturbation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, primarily triggered by intense, prolonged, or poorly recovered physical exertion. This is not a formal medical diagnosis but a clinical descriptor for the hormonal cascade that results from overtraining, where the body’s stress response system is pushed beyond its capacity for adaptation. It often presents with symptoms like chronic fatigue, impaired recovery, mood disturbances, and subtle shifts in cortisol and DHEA rhythms, impacting overall wellness and athletic performance.