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HPA Axis Load Assessment

Meaning

HPA Axis Load Assessment is a clinical evaluation method used to quantify the cumulative burden of chronic stress—both psychological and physiological—on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis. This comprehensive assessment typically involves measuring the diurnal rhythm and total output of cortisol, along with other related adrenal hormones, to determine the degree of allostatic load. An elevated or dysregulated HPA axis load is a key clinical indicator of chronic stress and potential adrenal dysregulation, which negatively impacts sleep, immunity, and metabolic health. The goal is to move beyond a simple single-point measurement to accurately understand the axis’s functional pattern over a full 24-hour cycle.