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HPG Axis Adaptation

Meaning

HPG axis adaptation refers to the dynamic, physiological adjustments made by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis in response to chronic internal or external stimuli, such as intense physical stress, severe caloric restriction, or therapeutic hormonal intervention. This adaptation represents the axis’s capacity to modify its feedback loops and hormone secretion rates to maintain a perceived state of systemic balance, often resulting in a new hormonal equilibrium that may be sub-optimal for reproductive or metabolic health. Clinically, understanding this adaptation is crucial for diagnosing functional hypogonadism and for guiding the withdrawal or tapering of exogenous hormonal therapies.