What is the Origin of Stress Induced Cortisol?

This descriptive term combines "stress," from the Latin "strictus" meaning tight or narrow, with "cortisol," the primary human glucocorticoid. The concept is fundamental to stress endocrinology, formalized by Hans Selye's work on the General Adaptation Syndrome, which established the adrenal gland's central role in the body's response to any non-specific demand.

What is the Mechanism of Stress Induced Cortisol?

Stress Induced Cortisol is released via the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The stressor prompts the hypothalamus to secrete corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal cortex, where it rapidly stimulates the synthesis and secretion of cortisol, completing the neuroendocrine stress response cascade.

Stress Induced Cortisol ∞ Area

Stress Induced Cortisol

Meaning

The acute or chronic elevation of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol specifically triggered by physical, emotional, or psychological stressors. This physiological response is a central component of the body’s fight-or-flight mechanism, mobilizing energy reserves and suppressing non-essential functions to manage a perceived threat. Sustained elevation of stress induced cortisol, however, can lead to significant hormonal dysregulation and adverse health outcomes.