Hormone Resistance

High blood levels of a hormone do not guarantee the hormone is functionally active. Resistance (not just deficiency) is often the cause of chronic inflammation, making it distinct from simple hormone depletion. Both cortisol and insulin follow the same arc: excess leads to receptor resistance, resistance leads to functional deficiency, and deficiency removes anti-inflammatory protection. Cell receptor downregulation is the protective mechanism through which prolonged hormone overexposure creates resistance.