Which hormone is commonly known as the “stress hormone”?

Cortisol is commonly referred to as the “stress hormone” because it is intricately involved in the body’s response to stress. When a person encounters a stressful situation, the hypothalamus sends signals to the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, along with other stress-related hormones.

Cortisol plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, such as increasing glucose availability for energy, enhancing brain function, and modulating the immune response. It helps prepare the body to respond effectively to the stressor, promoting a "fight or flight" response that enhances survival.

While other hormones like adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) are involved in the acute stress response and increase heart rate and blood flow to muscles, cortisol is primarily responsible for the longer-term effects of stress, regulating metabolism and immune responses. This distinction solidifies cortisol's reputation as the primary stress hormone in the body.