The sustained, dynamic equilibrium of internal physiological conditions, particularly hormone levels, achieved and preserved over extended periods through adaptive regulatory processes. This maintenance requires consistent feedback regulation across the neuroendocrine, metabolic, and immune systems to buffer against internal and external perturbations. It represents the successful outcome of sustained physiological optimization, ensuring functional longevity. True maintenance implies resilience against normal age-related drift and lifestyle stressors. We view this as the ultimate goal of comprehensive wellness science.
Origin
The term is rooted in the foundational biological concept of homeostasis, first described by Claude Bernard, but extended to emphasize durability over time. ‘Long Term’ specifies the need for persistent regulation beyond acute adaptation. This is highly relevant in endocrinology where chronic imbalance leads to pathology. Maintenance signifies an active, ongoing effort by the body’s regulatory machinery to resist entropic decline.
Mechanism
Maintenance relies on the robust functioning of negative and positive feedback loops within the endocrine axes, such as the HPA and HPG axes, which constantly adjust hormone secretion based on peripheral feedback. This involves efficient receptor sensitivity, adequate substrate availability from nutrition, and minimal inflammatory signaling that could otherwise disrupt setpoints. Effective long-term maintenance also depends on sustained cellular bioenergetic capacity to fuel these continuous regulatory actions. The body employs redundancy in these systems to ensure stability.
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