Allostatic load refers to wear and tear on the body that occurs over time due to chronic stress. Biomarkers such as cortisol, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers can help measure allostatic load.

When the body experiences chronic stress, it can adapt in a process involving allostasis. If the body has to adapt frequently due to long-term or frequent stress, this can cause problems with the body’s physiological systems, leading to wear and tear.

Read on to learn more about what causes allostatic load, how medical professionals measure it, how it can affect health, and more.

Allostatic load happens when the body experiences prolonged or repeated periods of stress.

When the body experiences a lot of stress, it triggers allostasis. Allostasis is when the body reacts to stress to protect itself. The brain tries to predict what the body needs before it needs it, activating physiological systems such as:

  • the hormonal system
  • the immune system
  • the autonomic nervous system

If the body spends too much time in allostasis, it can lead to allostatic load. This means that systems in the body experience wear and tear that may affect how they function.

Medical professionals typically use biomarkers to measure allostatic load. Biomarkers can help determine how effectively certain processes in the body are working.

Biomarkers a medical professional may look at to measure allostatic load include:

  • dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), a steroid hormone that can measure adrenal function
  • urinary cortisol, which can measure hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity, a part of the neuroendocrine system
  • urinary epinephrine, which can measure sympathetic nervous system activity
  • blood pressure, which can help look at cardiovascular activity
  • cholesterol, which can help determine atherosclerotic risk
  • C-reactive protein, which can measure inflammation in the body

Allostatic load may affect health in numerous ways. It may lead to:

If there are concerns about the health effects of allostatic load, a doctor can provide advice on ways to manage or reduce the risk of potential complications.

It may not be completely possible to prevent allostatic load. However, as it happens in response to prolonged allostasis, taking steps to manage chronic stress may help.

You can speak with a medical professional for advice on ways to manage stress. Some tips that may help include:

  • talking with a family member or other loved one
  • breaking up large tasks into smaller tasks that may be more manageable
  • planning ahead and creating a to-do list
  • doing yoga and other types of physical activity
  • trying talking therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

A medical professional may also recommend medications such as antidepressants. You can speak with your doctor if you would like to discuss whether they recommend antidepressants based on your individual circumstances.

If chronic stress regularly triggers allostasis, this can lead to allostatic load. Allostatic load affects how various systems in the body function.

A person’s allostatic load may be reflected in certain tests such as cortisol, epinephrine, C-reactive protein, blood pressure, and cholesterol

Taking steps to manage stress may help reduce the likelihood of allostatic load and related complications, which can include sleep problems, accelerated aging, complications during pregnancy, and increased risk of complications after surgery.

Speak with a doctor if you have concerns about allostatic load or wish to discuss ways to manage stress.