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

Authors

Duo Xu, Xu Zhao, Wanxin Chen, Yi Liu, Chaohu Wang

Published in

Neuroendocrinology. Pages 1-28. Jul 14, 2026. Epub Jul 14, 2026.

Abstract

Chronic stress profoundly disrupts homeostasis, with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis acting as an active participant in the pathophysiology. This review synthesizes evidence demonstrating a multi-level 'hijacking' of the HPG axis. Activation of the HPA axis, via CRH and glucocorticoids, suppresses the GnRH pulse generator, while sympathetic outflow directly impairs gonadal steroidogenesis. The consequent decline in sex steroids creates a vicious, sex-specific cycle of allostatic overload, further dysregulating stress and immune circuits. We reframe stress-related pathologies through HPG axis dysregulation and summarize clinical evidence for hormone-centric interventions, positioning sex hormones as key therapeutic targets for restoring physiological and mental health.

PMID:
42447140
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 15 Jul 2026.

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