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Hormonal Feedback Loop

Meaning

A Hormonal Feedback Loop describes the regulatory circuit through which the concentration of a specific hormone is maintained within a narrow, functional range. These loops involve sequential signaling between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and target endocrine organs, forming complex homeostatic controls. Negative feedback is the predominant mechanism, where the end-product hormone inhibits its own upstream secretion, preventing overproduction. Positive feedback loops are less common, driving rapid physiological events like labor or ovulation. Understanding these loops is central to diagnosing and treating endocrine dysregulation.