Which hormone is often referred to as the "stress hormone"?

Cortisol is often referred to as the "stress hormone" due to its significant role in the body's response to stress. Released by the adrenal glands, cortisol helps to regulate various physiological processes that are activated during stressful situations, including metabolism, immune response, and blood sugar levels. It assists in providing the body with the necessary energy to respond to stressors by increasing glucose availability through gluconeogenesis and reducing the body's sensitivity to insulin.

Cortisol also plays a part in controlling inflammation and has effects on mood and cognition, which can be particularly important during periods of high stress. The term "stress hormone" reflects its primary function in mediating the body's reaction to stress, preparing the individual for a "fight or flight" response. While adrenaline is also involved in the stress response and is released in acute stress situations, cortisol is more influential for long-term adaptations and physiological changes associated with chronic stress.