GLOSSARY

Hypothalamic Control of the Stress Response
Hypothalamic stress control coordinates endocrine and autonomic responses to demands on the organism. CRH-related parvocellular activity contributes to ACTH and cortisol secretion, while additional pathways modify sympathetic output and behavior.

Multiple inputs

Physical strain, hypoglycemia, illness and psychological factors can influence the network. Different stressors do not necessarily produce the same magnitude or time course of hormonal response.

Feedback provides restraint

Glucocorticoid feedback and other inhibitory mechanisms limit activity. Circadian timing and prior exposure also shape the response to a new demand.

Training interpretation

An exercise-associated cortisol rise may reflect an appropriate acute response. It does not independently diagnose overtraining or quantify all psychological stress. Persistent symptoms and impaired performance require assessment of recovery, energy availability, health and measurement conditions alongside endocrine findings.