Today on (Sep 24, 2024)  in the presence of the symposium entitled (The Endocrine Effects of PTSD: How Trauma Alters Hormonal Balance) was presented by Assistant Lecturer (Ms. Kajeen Hasan Jasim) the head of the Medical Laboratory department, where it has been explained that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that arises after exposure to traumatic events, with significant psychological and physiological effects. One of the primary physiological impacts of PTSD is its effect on the endocrine system, particularly through the disruption of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. This axis regulates the body’s response to stress by controlling the release of cortisol, a key stress hormone. In individuals with PTSD, cortisol levels often become dysregulated, leading to either elevated or diminished responses to stress.
This hormonal imbalance not only exacerbates the symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbances, but also contributes to long-term health problems, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and immune system dysfunction. The chronic activation of the stress response system in PTSD sufferers highlights the crucial role of hormonal regulation in mental health and overall wellbeing. Understanding the interplay between trauma, PTSD, and the endocrine system can provide deeper insights into the pathophysiology of PTSD and open new avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting hormonal balance, The relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and hormonal imbalance, particularly the dysregulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol levels, highlights the significant impact of trauma on the endocrine system. This dysregulation contributes to both the psychological and physical symptoms of PTSD, exacerbating mental health challenges and leading to long-term health issues such as cardiovascular disease and immune dysfunction. Understanding this connection is essential for developing targeted therapeutic interventions that address both the mental and physiological aspects of PTSD. By restoring hormonal balance, it may be possible to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from this condition and mitigate its broader health implications. at the end of the symposium a set of questions and answers were raised on this subject.