Allostatic Load

Allostatic load is the cumulative physiological burden that can develop when the body repeatedly activates and adjusts the systems that maintain stability during stress. Allostasis is the normal adaptive process: the brain coordinates changes in systems such as the HPA axis, autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular system, metabolism, and immune response to meet changing demands. Normally these responses rise and then subside. With repeated or prolonged activation, however, stress hormones, blood pressure, glucose regulation, inflammation, and other processes may remain altered or repeatedly cycle outside their usual ranges. Researchers use allostatic load to describe the accumulated biological effects of this repeated adaptation — sometimes called the body’s “wear and tear.” It is a model for understanding how chronic or recurring stress may contribute to disease over time, not a disease or diagnosis itself.