Skip to main content

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis

Meaning

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) Axis is a complex, integrated neuro-endocrine system responsible for regulating the body’s basal metabolic rate, thermogenesis, and energy expenditure through the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones. This axis involves a hierarchical signaling cascade from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland and finally to the thyroid gland. The HPT axis is highly sensitive to stress, nutritional status, and circulating hormone levels, making it a central player in overall metabolic and hormonal health.