The HPA axis is significant in epidemiology for several reasons: - It is involved in the body's response to stress, which can influence the onset and progression of various diseases. - Dysregulation of the HPA axis is associated with a range of health conditions including mental health disorders (such as depression and anxiety), metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases. - Understanding the HPA axis can help in identifying risk factors and preventive measures for these conditions.
