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Glucocorticoid Release

Meaning

The highly regulated process by which the adrenal cortex secretes glucocorticoid hormones, predominantly cortisol, into the systemic circulation in response to signals from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, acting as the body’s central mechanism for managing physiological and psychological stress. This release follows a predictable circadian rhythm, peaking in the early morning to facilitate waking and metabolic readiness, and is acutely amplified by stress-induced signaling from the hypothalamus. The magnitude and timing of this release are crucial determinants of metabolic health, immune function, and inflammatory control.