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Physiological Reactivity

Meaning

Physiological Reactivity refers to the speed, magnitude, and efficiency with which the body’s internal systems, particularly the neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous systems, respond and adapt to internal or external stressors. A high degree of healthy reactivity indicates a resilient system capable of rapid, appropriate mobilization of resources, such as cortisol and adrenaline, followed by an equally swift return to baseline homeostasis. In hormonal health, measuring this reactivity, often through dynamic stress testing, is a key indicator of adrenal reserve and overall stress resilience. Loss of appropriate reactivity is a clinical sign of chronic systemic burden.