All articles tagged with #hpa axis
A study of 39 frequent cannabis users and 43 controls found that regular users have higher cortisol upon waking, while their cortisol awakening response (CAR) rise over 30 minutes is similar to non-users; this may signal a neurobiological marker of problematic cannabis use, but the snapshot design cannot establish causation and further longitudinal research is needed amid rising cannabis availability.
A Nature News & Views piece summarizes Lee et al.'s finding that loss of male sex hormones triggers neuroinflammation and disrupts hormonal and immune signaling via the HPA axis, potentially accelerating brain tumor growth, contrasting with androgen-blockade benefits seen in many other cancers.
When encountering stress, the body's fight-or-flight response is activated, causing a cascade of hormonal events known as the HPA axis. Chronic stress, which is a consistent feeling of being pressured or overwhelmed for a long period of time, can lead to severe physical and emotional damage. Symptoms of fight-or-flight system activation include rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, pale or flushed skin, dilated pupils, and trembling. To reduce chronic stress, it's important to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and practice stress-reducing activities like mindfulness, exercise, and journaling.