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Edits for HPA Axis Edits:

(Underneath Stress and Development Section)

Chemical Stress During Development

Not only do stressful events disrupt HPA axis development, but certain chemical exposures can as well. Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), well studied among hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroidal (HPT) steroid axes, are the chemicals also responsible for affecting HPA axis health. There are many points along the HPA axis leading to cortisol production that can be disrupted through chemical interactions. Targets can include enzymes, receptors, or cells of specific organs related to cortisol production.

HPA axis disruption and pathologies is difficult to track regarding trace environmental chemical exposure, but alcohol and tobacco are examples of exposures that affect this axis in often unpredictable ways. Results of alcohol consumption and other drugs often heighten or dampen HPA responses dependent on developmental stage of exposure, whether prenatal, neonatal, adolescent, or otherwise.

Although there is evidence of chemical exposures affecting both HPG and HPT axes during critical life stages, more evidence is necessary regarding the HPA axis. Similar to early life stressors, chemical exposures before full maturity can affect overall neural development of the HPA axis.