What is the Origin of Sympathetic Tone Elevation?

This term is derived from autonomic nervous system physiology, describing a chronic shift away from the "rest and digest" state towards the "fight or flight" state. It is a key biomarker of allostatic overload.

What is the Mechanism of Sympathetic Tone Elevation?

Elevated sympathetic tone directly stimulates the adrenal medulla to release norepinephrine and epinephrine, which in turn increase hepatic glucose output and peripheral insulin demand. Chronically high catecholamines can also impair the normal nocturnal suppression of cortisol, leading to sustained HPA axis activation and metabolic dysregulation.

Sympathetic Tone Elevation ∞ Area

Sympathetic Tone Elevation

Meaning

A sustained increase in the activity level of the sympathetic nervous system, often indicative of chronic stress or inadequate parasympathetic counter-regulation, leading to elevated circulating catecholamines. In hormonal health, this state frequently correlates with insulin resistance, adrenal hyper-responsiveness, and disruption of normal circadian hormone patterns.