What is the stress hormone? Stress hormones, such as cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline, control the body’s response to stressful situations.

These hormones play a key role in the fight or flight response, an ancient survival mechanism.

Main stress hormones and their role:

Cortisol:
Role: Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that helps the body
adapt to stress. It regulates metabolism, blood sugar levels and immune response.
Effects: Persistently high levels can be harmful, contributing to cardiovascular disease,
weight gain, and weakened immune system.
Adrenaline:
Role: Rapidly prepares the body for danger, increases heart rate, raises blood pressure and
boosts energy levels.
Effects: Useful in the short term, but persistent high levels can cause anxiety, sleep problems and other
health problems.
Noradrenaline:
Role: Also involved in the “fight or flight” response, mainly by increasing blood pressure
and directing blood flow to important organs.
Effect: Increases alertness, but if persistently high can lead to chronic stress.

Their role in the body:
Responding to stress: these hormones quickly mobilise the body’s energy, prepare muscles for action and sharpen mental focus.
Maintaining balance: they help the body respond properly to short-term stress, but in chronic stress, continued hormone production can deplete the body’s resources and damage health.

Immune system and inflammation: cortisol regulates the immune response and has anti-inflammatory effects, but in the long term it can lead to a weakened immune system. Stress hormones are basically part of the body’s defence mechanism, but if these hormones remain high for long periods of time, they can lead to serious health problems.
How do they affect the body and mind?
The stress hormones, especially cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline, have a significant impact on both the body and the state of mind. These hormones help the body cope with stress in the short term, but can have harmful long-term consequences.

Their effects on the body:
Cardiovascular system:
Adrenaline and noradrenaline: Increase heart rate and blood pressure to quickly supply more blood to muscles and vital organs. In the long term, this can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure and vascular problems.
Cortisol: In the long term, it can contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Metabolism:
Cortisol: Raises blood sugar levels to provide more energy in stressful situations. Prolonged high cortisol levels can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes and weight gain (especially belly fat).
Immune system:
Cortisol: Anti-inflammatory, but persistently high levels can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infection and disease.
Digestive system:
Cortisol: It affects digestion and can slow down or unrealistically speed up stomach and bowel movements, which can lead to digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Muscle and bones:
Cortisol: In the long term, it can cause muscle tissue breakdown and bone mineral loss
, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Their effect on your state of mind:
Mood and emotions:
Adrenaline and noradrenaline: Increase alertness, but persistently high levels can lead to anxiety,
irritability and tension.
Cortisol: High levels are associated with depression, anxiety and mood swings
.
Memory and cognitive function:
Cortisol: Chronically high levels can damage the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory. This can lead to memory problems and deterioration of cognitive function.
Stress hormones in general: impair concentration, decision-making and learning.
Sleep:
Cortisol: High levels can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep and maintain sleep, which can lead to chronic fatigue.
Motivation and energy:
Adrenaline: In the short term it increases energy levels and motivation, but in the long term it can lead to exhaustion and loss of motivation, which can also contribute to burnout.

Summary:
Stress hormones play a vital role in the body’s defences, but if they remain at high levels for long periods of time, they can have serious negative effects on both physical and mental health. Chronic stress management is therefore crucial for long-term health