What is the Origin of HPA Axis Dysfunction?

The term is a compound of the anatomical structures involved: Hypothalamus, Pituitary, and Adrenal glands, and "dysfunction," indicating an impairment or abnormality in the system's operation. The concept gained prominence as clinical research began to map the long-term effects of chronic psychological and physiological stress on endocrine health.

What is the Mechanism of HPA Axis Dysfunction?

Chronic stressors can lead to sustained over-activation or eventual blunting of the HPA axis, disrupting the normal circadian rhythm of cortisol release. Initially, the axis may become hyper-responsive, leading to high cortisol levels; over time, the system can become exhausted or hypo-responsive, resulting in low cortisol output. This dysregulation compromises the body's ability to adapt to stress, affecting glucose metabolism, inflammation, and energy levels.

HPA Axis Dysfunction

Meaning

HPA Axis Dysfunction, often referred to as adrenal dysregulation, describes a state of imbalance in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the primary neuroendocrine system governing the stress response. This is not typically a disease state but rather a spectrum of maladaptive responses where the normal feedback loop between the brain and the adrenal glands is compromised. Clinically, this can manifest as abnormal cortisol secretion patterns, contributing to symptoms like chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and altered immune function.