A state of threatened homeostasis or equilibrium that triggers a coordinated, adaptive physiological and behavioral response from the organism. Clinically, stress is the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change, categorized as either acute, short-term and essential for survival, or chronic, leading to allostatic overload and potential pathology. The endocrine system is the primary mediator of this adaptive response.
Origin
The term was borrowed from physics and engineering, where it describes a force or pressure exerted on a material, and was first applied to human physiology by Hans Selye in the 1930s. Selye defined the biological concept of stress as the General Adaptation Syndrome, establishing its central role in disease development.
Mechanism
The body’s response to stress is orchestrated by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which leads to the release of glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol, from the adrenal cortex. Cortisol mobilizes energy stores, suppresses non-essential functions, and modulates the immune system to prepare the body for the perceived threat. While this mechanism is vital for acute survival, chronic activation leads to persistent hypercortisolemia, which can disrupt metabolic balance and impair hormonal feedback loops.
Effective employer wellness programs can serve as sophisticated diagnostic platforms for HPG and GH axis dysregulation, enabling precise biochemical recalibration.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.