This articlereviews memory-related impairments in trauma survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder andtheir possible association to neuroendocrine alterations seen in this disorder. The neuroendocrineprofile in PTSD first described in chronically ill combat veterans is characterized by lower basalcortisol levels, higher glucocorticoid receptor number, enhanced sensitivity to exogenoussteroids, and increased variation in basal cortisol levels over the diurnal cycle. Thegeneralizability and time course of these neuroendocrine alterations are explored in longitudinalstudies and studies in other traumatized populations. These studies suggest that at least someaspects of this neuroendocrine profile can also be seen in other populations, including women,children, and victims of childhood trauma. Additionally, the alterations may be present early inthe course of illness, perhaps even in the immediate aftermath of trauma, and may continue to bemanifest in elderly trauma survivors. The mechanisms by which these neuroendocrine alterationsmay influence the formation and processing of traumatic memories are discussed.