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Physiological Impact of Stress

Meaning

The Physiological Impact of Stress refers to the measurable, systemic cascade of biological changes initiated by the perception of a threat or demand, which fundamentally alters homeostatic balance. This impact is primarily mediated by the rapid and sustained activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to the hypersecretion of cortisol and catecholamines. Chronic activation of this response system profoundly affects glucose metabolism, suppresses immune function, and disrupts the delicate balance of sex and thyroid hormones, driving long-term pathology.