What phase follows the Acute phase in HPA axis dysfunction?

The phase that follows the Acute phase in HPA axis dysfunction is the Compensatory phase. In this context, after the body experiences stress and enters the Acute phase, a range of responses are initiated as the body attempts to adapt to the stressor. During the Acute phase, the HPA axis is activated to manage immediate stress, resulting in the production of stress hormones such as cortisol.

As the stress persists, the body moves into the Compensatory phase, where adaptive mechanisms are employed to counterbalance the effects of prolonged stress. During this phase, there is an attempt to maintain homeostasis despite the ongoing stressor. The body may exhibit changes such as alterations in the levels of cortisol and other hormones, as it tries to restore balance.

This phase is critical as it reflects the body's effort to cope with ongoing challenges. If the stress continues beyond this, it can lead to the Exhaustion phase, where the body's resources become depleted, and the physiological systems may begin to fail. Thus, understanding these phases is essential in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and HPA axis dysfunction management.