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Stress Response Metrics

Meaning

Stress Response Metrics are the quantitative physiological and biochemical markers used in clinical practice to objectively measure the body’s reaction to physical or psychological stressors. These metrics move beyond subjective patient reports to provide tangible data on the functional status of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system. Key metrics include salivary or serum cortisol levels, DHEA-S concentration, heart rate variability (HRV), and specific inflammatory cytokines. Monitoring these markers allows clinicians to assess the degree of allostatic load and the individual’s capacity for adaptation, guiding personalized stress mitigation strategies.