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Cortisol Response

Meaning

The cortisol response describes the body’s dynamic, neuroendocrine reaction to physical or psychological stress, characterized by the regulated secretion of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol from the adrenal cortex. This essential homeostatic mechanism is part of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and is designed to mobilize energy reserves, suppress inflammation, and transiently alter immune function to manage a perceived threat. The magnitude and duration of this response are crucial indicators of an individual’s allostatic load and resilience.