What is the Origin of Stress Adaptation Capacity?

This concept is derived from Hans Selye's general adaptation syndrome, now refined through modern endocrinology to focus on the dynamic regulation of cortisol and its downstream effects on inflammation and metabolism. Capacity reflects the system's reserve.

What is the Mechanism of Stress Adaptation Capacity?

Effective adaptation involves a swift, appropriate initial cortisol spike followed by a rapid return to baseline, preventing prolonged exposure to catabolic signals. Optimization supports adrenal responsiveness and glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity in target tissues.

Stress Adaptation Capacity

Meaning

The quantifiable physiological resilience, particularly within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, that determines how effectively an individual can respond to and recover from acute or chronic psychological or physical stressors. This is a measure of endocrine flexibility.