What is the Origin of Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Fatigue?

This clinical term evolved from early endocrinology's understanding of the stress response, specifically Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome, and gained traction in functional medicine to explain a cluster of symptoms not fully captured by classic adrenal diseases. The term "fatigue" refers to the system's functional exhaustion and reduced resilience.

What is the Mechanism of Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Fatigue?

Chronic stress leads to persistent stimulation of the hypothalamus and pituitary, which eventually alters the sensitive negative feedback loop regulating cortisol production by the adrenals. This dysregulation can manifest as either hyper- or hypo-cortisol states, or, most commonly, a flattening of the normal diurnal cortisol rhythm, directly impacting energy, immune regulation, and sleep architecture.

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Fatigue ∞ Area

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Fatigue

Meaning

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Fatigue, often referred to clinically as HPA axis dysfunction, describes a state of maladaptation in the central stress response system, resulting from chronic or overwhelming psychological or physiological stressors. This is characterized by an altered, non-optimal release pattern of cortisol and other stress hormones, leading to a diminished capacity to cope with further stress. It is understood as a functional, not structural, impairment of the neuroendocrine circuit.