What is the Origin of Stress Allostatic Load?

The term is derived from 'stress' and 'allostasis,' a concept introduced by Sterling and Eyer in 1988, combining the Greek allos (variable) and stasis (standing still). Allostasis refers to the process of achieving stability through physiological or behavioral change, while 'load' refers to the cumulative burden of this adaptation.

What is the Mechanism of Stress Allostatic Load?

The mechanism involves the body's attempt to maintain stability (allostasis) by over-activating primary mediators of stress, such as cortisol and adrenaline. When these mediators are chronically elevated or poorly regulated, their long-term effects become damaging, leading to secondary outcomes like insulin resistance, hypertension, and immune suppression. The allostatic load is the measurable consequence of this persistent dysregulation across multiple, interconnected homeostatic systems.

Stress Allostatic Load ∞ Area

Stress Allostatic Load

Meaning

Stress Allostatic Load is a cumulative clinical measure representing the physiological cost to the body of chronic exposure to repeated or persistent stress, resulting in the wear and tear on organ systems. This load is quantified by measuring the dysregulation of multiple physiological systems, including the HPA axis (cortisol), the sympathetic nervous system (catecholamines), and metabolic and cardiovascular parameters. High allostatic load is a powerful predictor of future disease risk and accelerated biological aging. Reducing this load is a central goal of stress management and hormonal health interventions.