What is the Origin of Stress Axis Suppression?

This term originates from clinical endocrinology and stress research, where chronic stress was identified as a major driver of systemic pathology. The concept of "suppression" in this context refers to therapeutic dampening of hyperactivity, not a complete shutdown of the necessary stress response.

What is the Mechanism of Stress Axis Suppression?

Suppression mechanisms target multiple points in the HPA axis, including the central nervous system to reduce perceived stress and the adrenal glands to moderate cortisol output. Interventions may involve adaptogenic herbs that modulate adrenal sensitivity, behavioral techniques like meditation to reduce hypothalamic CRH release, or specific nutraceuticals that enhance negative feedback sensitivity to cortisol. The goal is to re-establish the precise, short-lived nature of the physiological stress response.

Stress Axis Suppression ∞ Area

Stress Axis Suppression

Meaning

Stress Axis Suppression is the clinical objective of reducing the pathological overactivity of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which is responsible for the chronic, excessive secretion of cortisol and other stress hormones. Chronic HPA activation is detrimental, leading to immune dysfunction, visceral fat accumulation, and suppression of the HPG axis (gonadal hormones). Suppression aims to restore a healthy, responsive HPA axis with a normal diurnal variation.