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Psychosocial Stress Endocrinology

Meaning

Psychosocial stress endocrinology is the specialized field that studies the complex, bidirectional interactions between psychological and social stressors and the body’s endocrine system, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This discipline investigates how chronic interpersonal conflicts, financial strain, or perceived threats translate into sustained hormonal changes, such as cortisol dysregulation, and the subsequent impact on metabolic health, immunity, and overall well-being. It bridges the gap between mental experience and physiological consequence.