What is the Origin of Functional Hormone Zoning?

This concept emerges from integrated functional medicine, borrowing the idea of 'zoning' from project management to apply it to the complex, interacting networks of the endocrine system, such as the HPA or HPT axes. It is a strategic planning tool for wellness.

What is the Mechanism of Functional Hormone Zoning?

Functional hormone zoning dictates, for example, prioritizing adrenal support protocols before aggressively stimulating the gonadal axis if high cortisol levels indicate significant systemic stress. This sequencing prevents antagonistic hormonal effects and maximizes the efficacy of subsequent therapeutic inputs.

Functional Hormone Zoning ∞ Area

Functional Hormone Zoning

Meaning

A conceptual framework for organizing physiological management strategies based on the specific endocrine axes or functional systems requiring optimization at a given time. It prioritizes interventions according to immediate systemic need.