Social subordination impairs hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function in female rhesus monkeys

► Social subordination alters stress axis activity in female rhesus monkeys. ► Compared to dominant females, subordinates show blunted morning cortisol levels. ► Subordinates have diminished glucocorticoid negative feedback. ► And, subordinate females have decreased cortisol response to ACTH. ► Social subordination is an ethologically valid model of chronic stress exposure.