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Hormonal Allostatic Load

Meaning

Hormonal Allostatic Load is the cumulative physiological wear and tear on the body’s entire endocrine system resulting from chronic or repeated attempts to adapt to persistent stressors, a process scientifically termed allostasis. This load is objectively quantified by measuring the persistent elevation or dysregulation of primary stress hormones, such as cortisol, adrenaline, and their various downstream metabolites. High allostatic load predicts a significantly increased risk for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and accelerated cellular aging.