Stress Hormones

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Stress hormones

Among the main stress hormones released by the endocrine system are epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol. The stress hormone, epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) is released into the bloodstream from the adrenal medulla, which is part of the adrenal gland.

1. When epinephrine enters the bloodstream, it is carried around the body to cells in various locations, where it initiates several responses. Despite initiating several different responses, epinephrine’s effects have a collective purpose, that is, to provide energy so that the major muscles of the body can respond to the perceived threat.

2. Norepinephrine is one of the main components that triggers the sympathetic and central nervous system to become hyperactive in times of sudden stressful situations. It is produced in the body only in a limited time and only in special cases when it is really needed. In the nervous system, for example, norepinephrine helps upon the activation of the body’s fight-or-flight situation by boosting the body with an increased attention and reaction time. Norepinephrine is always present in situations like increase in heart rate, dilation of blood vessels, and increased blood pressure.

Effects of stress

3. Cortisol, the other key stress hormone, is released from a portion of the adrenal glands called the adrenal cortex. The role of cortisol in the body includes the following: a. Help the body to manage stress.

b. Convert protein into glucose in order to boost decreasing sugar levels.

c. Reduce inflammation. d. Contribute to the functioning of the immune system. e. Helps maintain constant blood pressure. f. Works with the hormone insulin to maintain constant sugar level.

Cortisol works in reverse with norepinephrine. Once the cortisol is released, it limits the production of norepinephrine in the adrenal medulla. This process is very important, since body’s release of norepinephrine for a long period causes side effects such as temporary stopping some minor processes inside the body, such as, digestion.

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