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Hormonal Surge

Meaning

A hormonal surge is a rapid, often significant, and transient increase in the concentration of a specific endocrine signaling molecule within the circulatory system, triggering a profound physiological or behavioral response. These surges are a fundamental component of the endocrine system’s regulatory dynamics, exemplified by the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that precedes ovulation or the acute cortisol surge in response to a sudden stressor. While many surges are part of normal homeostatic and reproductive cycles, an abnormal or chronic surge pattern can indicate a pathological state, such as a tumor or persistent stress-induced HPA axis overdrive. Clinically, understanding the timing and magnitude of a surge is crucial for diagnostic precision.