HPA Axis

Parents

+5a Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Hypofunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as a Consequence of Activated Immune-Inflammatory and Oxidative and Nitrosative Pathways
for Adrenals to release epinephrine (formerly known as adrenaline), Norepinephrine (formerly known as noradrenaline) and cortisol
HPA axis
Possible damage to HPA Axis
The stress response and the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis: from molecule to melancholia

+5b Reduction in the capacity with which HPA axis hormones can restrain the immune system
Lowered Baseline Glucocorticoid Levels
Stress response conditioning, sensitization
The HPA-axis is activated following exhaustion, loss of control or the perception of loss of control

1 This stress circuit affects systems throughout the body. The hormones of the HPA axis exert their effect on the autonomic nervous system, which controls such vital functions as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion
2 The HPA axis also communicates with several regions of the brain, including the limbic system, which controls motivation and mood, with the amygdala, which generates fear in response to danger, and with the hippocampus, which plays an important part in memory formation as well as in mood and motivation. In addition, the HPA axis is also connected with brain regions that control body temperature, suppress appetite, and control pain
3 Similarly, the HPA axis also interacts with various other glandular systems, among them those producing reproductive hormones, growth hormones, and thyroid hormones. Once activated, the stress response switches off the hormonal systems regulating growth, reproduction, metabolism, and immunity. Short term, the response is helpful, allowing us to divert biochemical resources to deal with the threat.
Circulatory
Stress Response 2
The stress circuit