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Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
Physiological Foundation of Stress01:24

Physiological Foundation of Stress

Stress triggers a coordinated physiological response involving the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This dual activation ensures that the body is prepared for both immediate and prolonged stress management. The process begins with the perception of a stressor. This initial phase activates the SNS, leading to the rapid release of adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal glands.
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Stress Response System01:21

Stress Response System

The stress response system, also known as the fight-or-flight response, is the body's automatic physiological reaction to perceived threats. Hans Selye introduced the concept of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) to describe the predictable pattern of changes that occur in response to stress. GAS consists of three sequential stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. This model helps explain how chronic stress can contribute to health problems.
Alarm stage
In the alarm stage, the body's initial...
The Sympathetic Nervous System01:25

The Sympathetic Nervous System

Overview
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle01:27

Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Reproduction Under Siege: How Chronic Stress Hijacks the HPG Axis.

Duo Xu, Xu Zhao, Wanxin Chen

    Neuroendocrinology
    |July 14, 2026
    PubMed
    Summary

    Chronic stress disrupts the body

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroendocrinology
    • Stress Physiology
    • Reproductive Biology

    Background:

    • Chronic stress significantly disrupts physiological balance (homeostasis).
    • The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is a key player in stress-related diseases.
    • Existing research highlights the HPG axis's involvement in stress pathophysiology.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review evidence on how chronic stress affects the HPG axis.
    • To reframe stress-related conditions through the lens of HPG axis dysfunction.
    • To explore hormone-centric therapies for stress-induced health issues.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review synthesizing evidence on HPG axis 'hijacking' by stress.
    • Analysis of the interplay between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, sympathetic nervous system, and HPG axis.

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    Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

    Published on: June 10, 2013

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

    Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
    06:39

    Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

    Published on: June 13, 2021

    A Chronic Immobilization Stress Protocol for Inducing Depression-Like Behavior in Mice
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    A Chronic Immobilization Stress Protocol for Inducing Depression-Like Behavior in Mice

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    07:30

    Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

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  • Examination of clinical data supporting hormone-based interventions.

    • Main Results:

    • Chronic stress activates the HPA axis, suppressing the GnRH pulse generator.
    • Sympathetic nervous system activation directly impairs the production of gonadal steroids.
    • Reduced sex steroids create a detrimental, sex-specific cycle of allostatic overload, worsening stress and immune responses.

    Conclusions:

    • HPG axis dysregulation is central to stress-related pathologies.
    • Sex hormones are crucial targets for therapeutic interventions.
    • Hormone-centric approaches can restore physiological and mental health in stress-related conditions.