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Stress Hormones

Meaning

Stress Hormones are a collective term for the catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine) and glucocorticoids (cortisol) released by the adrenal glands in response to perceived threats or physiological demands managed by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. These compounds rapidly mobilize energy reserves and modulate immune function to facilitate acute adaptation. Chronically elevated levels, however, lead to allostatic overload and systemic disruption. We view these hormones as the biochemical signature of the body’s adaptive response.