• Cortisol, a steroid hormone, is released by the adrenal gland as a response to stress.
• It suppresses the immune system by "muting" the white blood cells, and also decreases bone formation.
• When stress arises, cortisol is produced to restore homeostasis. However, prolonged cortisol release due to chronic stress and/or other factors, has a toll on the body.
other effects of prolonged cortisol production due to chronic stress (from wikipedia):
- Increases blood pressure by increasing the sensitivity of the vasculature to epinephrine and norepinephrine
- Shuts down the reproductive system, resulting in an increased chance of miscarriage and (in some cases) temporary infertility. Fertility returns after cortisol levels return to normal.
- There are potential links between cortisol, appetite and obesity.
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