What hormone regulates the body's response to stress?

Cortisol is the primary hormone involved in the body’s response to stress. When a person experiences a stressful situation, the hypothalamus triggers the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then prompts the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. This hormone helps mobilize energy by increasing glucose availability, suppressing non-essential functions, and aiding in the regulation of metabolism and the immune response.

Cortisol's role is crucial for managing the body's fight-or-flight response, allowing individuals to respond effectively to stressors. It helps ensure that the body can cope with changes and stresses by preparing it for immediate physical activity. The sudden increase in cortisol contributes to elevated heart rates, increased blood sugar levels, and enhanced alertness, all of which are important for handling stressful situations.

In contrast, insulin primarily regulates glucose metabolism, adrenaline (or epinephrine) does also play a role in the immediate stress response but works on a different timescale and mechanism, and thyroxine is involved in metabolic regulation but not directly related to the stress response. Therefore, cortisol stands out as the key hormone linked to managing and regulating stress reactions in