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Stress Hormones: Cortisol, Adrenaline & Effects

Stress hormones are chemical messengers released by the body during stressful situations. They prepare the organism for fight or flight and influence heart rate, metabolism, and immune function.

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Things worth knowing about "Stress Hormones"

Stress hormones are chemical messengers released by the body during stressful situations. They prepare the organism for fight or flight and influence heart rate, metabolism, and immune function.

What Are Stress Hormones?

Stress hormones are endogenous chemical messengers (hormones) produced and released into the bloodstream in response to physical or psychological stress. They enable the body to rapidly adapt to threatening situations. The most well-known stress hormones are cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).

Origin and Mechanism of Action

When the brain perceives a threat, it activates the so-called stress axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or HPA axis), triggering the release of stress hormones through the following process:

The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).
The pituitary gland responds by releasing ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).
The adrenal cortex then produces cortisol, while the adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline.

The Main Stress Hormones

Cortisol

Cortisol is the primary stress hormone, produced in the adrenal cortex. It raises blood glucose levels, suppresses inflammatory responses, and short-term dampens the immune system to provide the body with rapid energy. However, chronically elevated cortisol levels can be harmful to health.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

Adrenaline is produced in the adrenal medulla and acts very quickly. It increases heart rate and blood pressure, dilates the bronchi, and rapidly mobilizes energy by breaking down glycogen in the liver.

Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine)

Noradrenaline acts similarly to adrenaline but has a stronger vasoconstrictive effect. It enhances alertness and concentration and plays a key role in blood pressure regulation.

Effects on the Body

Stress hormones trigger a range of physiological reactions that were originally designed to help humans survive in dangerous situations:

Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Elevated breathing rate
Raised blood glucose levels
Redirected blood flow to the muscles
Reduced digestive activity
Suppression of the immune system during chronic stress

Chronic Stress and Health Consequences

While short-term stress represents a useful protective response, chronically elevated stress hormone levels can cause significant long-term damage:

Cardiovascular diseases (e.g., high blood pressure, heart attack)
Metabolic disorders (e.g., type 2 diabetes, weight gain)
Sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue
Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety disorders, depression, burnout)
Weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections
Digestive problems (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome)

Measuring Stress Hormones

Stress hormones can be measured in blood, urine, or saliva. The assessment of the daily cortisol rhythm in saliva samples (morning, midday, evening) provides valuable information about the function of the stress axis. Elevated or reduced cortisol levels may indicate conditions such as Cushing syndrome (hypercortisolism) or Addison disease (adrenal insufficiency).

Regulation and Reduction of Stress Hormones

The body has natural mechanisms for regulating stress hormone release. Effective strategies to reduce elevated stress hormone levels include:

Regular physical exercise (e.g., aerobic activities)
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation
Adequate sleep and recovery
Social support and positive social interaction
A balanced diet rich in micronutrients (e.g., magnesium, B vitamins)
Psychotherapeutic interventions for chronic stress

References

Chrousos, G. P. (2009): Stress and disorders of the stress system. In: Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 5(7), 374-381. Available via PubMed.
World Health Organization (WHO): Mental health and stress-related conditions. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders
Sapolsky, R. M. (2004): Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers. 3rd edition. Henry Holt and Company, New York.

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