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HPA Axis Feedback Loops

Meaning

HPA Axis Feedback Loops describe the crucial regulatory circuits within the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis that govern the production and systemic levels of stress hormones, primarily cortisol. These loops function as the body’s homeostatic control system, ensuring that the stress response is both rapid when needed and promptly terminated once the threat is resolved. Maintaining the sensitivity and integrity of these feedback mechanisms is essential for preventing the chronic hormonal dysregulation associated with prolonged psychological or physiological stress. Clinical assessment often relies on evaluating the responsiveness of these loops.