Overview
Clinical Meaning
The HPA axis regulates cortisol secretion through CRH (hypothalamus) stimulating ACTH (anterior pituitary) stimulating cortisol (adrenal cortex) with negative feedback.
The HPA axis regulates cortisol secretion through CRH (hypothalamus) stimulating ACTH (anterior pituitary) stimulating cortisol (adrenal cortex) with negative feedback. Chronic stress dysregulates the axis causing sustained cortisol elevation, immune suppression, metabolic derangements, and psychiatric effects. Exogenous glucocorticoid use >2-3 weeks suppresses the HPA axis requiring gradual taper to prevent adrenal crisis.