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Hormonal Feedback Circuits

Meaning

Hormonal Feedback Circuits are the intricate, self-regulating loops within the endocrine system that maintain hormonal balance, or homeostasis, by continuously monitoring and adjusting hormone secretion rates. These circuits typically involve the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and a peripheral endocrine gland, forming axes like the HPA (stress) or HPT (thyroid) axes. A negative feedback loop is the most common mechanism, where the end-product hormone inhibits the release of its upstream stimulating hormones. The robust function of these circuits is fundamental to adaptive physiology and is a primary clinical target for addressing endocrine dysfunction.