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Hormonal Cascades

Meaning

Hormonal cascades describe a series of sequential biochemical reactions in the endocrine system where the secretion of one hormone triggers the release or action of a subsequent hormone, often involving multiple glands. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis are prime examples of these interconnected regulatory pathways. These cascades amplify the initial signal, allowing for a systemic and highly coordinated physiological response to internal or external stimuli. Disruption at any point in the cascade can lead to profound endocrine imbalance and clinical pathology.