stress hormone
Body's alarm messenger
A stress hormone is a hormone released by the body in response to stress, particularly cortisol and adrenaline.
These chemicals trigger the fight-or-flight response—elevated heart rate, heightened alertness, redirected blood flow to muscles.
Chronic stress keeps stress hormones elevated, which can damage health over time.
Adrenal stress hormone
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- fight-or-flightAcute threat reaction
- catecholamineTyrosine-derived signaling molecule
- surgeSudden powerful increase
hyperarousal · alertness · sympathetic · vasoconstriction · bronchodilation · heart rate · energy surge · emergency response
Steroid regulating metabolism, immunity
- hydrocortisoneAdrenal steroid hormone
- ACTHAdrenal-stimulating pituitary secretion
- circadian rhythmBuilt-in sleep-wake cycle
- inflammationProtective tissue response
immune suppression · blood sugar · fatigue · catabolic · insulin resistance · burnout · adrenal fatigue · slow release
Persistent apprehensive distress
- tensionStretched or strained state
- hypervigilanceHeightened threat sensitivity
- restlessnessState of unease
- agitationDisturbed, restless state
elevated heart rate · muscle tension · immune suppression · inflammation · insomnia · irritability · cognitive impairment · appetite changes
Subthalamic regulatory brain region
- pituitaryBrain-base hormone gland
- adrenal glandKidney-top hormone producer
- feedback loopSelf-modifying cyclical process
- endocrine systemHormone-producing gland network
neuroendocrine · homeostasis · calibration · balance · adaptation · resilience · modulation · reactivity
epinephrine
Adrenal stress hormone
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- fight-or-flightAcute threat reaction
- catecholamineTyrosine-derived signaling molecule
surge · hyperarousal · alertness · sympathetic · vasoconstriction · bronchodilation · heart rate · energy surge · emergency response · excitement
glucocorticoid
Steroid regulating metabolism, immunity
- hydrocortisoneAdrenal steroid hormone
- ACTHAdrenal-stimulating pituitary secretion
- circadian rhythmBuilt-in sleep-wake cycle
inflammation · immune suppression · blood sugar · fatigue · catabolic · insulin resistance · burnout · adrenal fatigue · slow release · weight gain
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
- tensionStretched or strained state
- hypervigilanceHeightened threat sensitivity
- restlessnessState of unease
agitation · elevated heart rate · muscle tension · immune suppression · inflammation · insomnia · irritability · cognitive impairment · appetite changes · blood pressure
hypothalamus
Subthalamic regulatory brain region
- pituitaryBrain-base hormone gland
- adrenal glandKidney-top hormone producer
- feedback loopSelf-modifying cyclical process
endocrine system · neuroendocrine · homeostasis · calibration · balance · adaptation · resilience · modulation · reactivity · compensation
stress hormoneoxytocin
Bonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
endorphins · serotonin · dopamine · melatonin · GABA
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