Chronic Stress and Cortisol

July 18, 2026 admin

We all want to stay stress free! Don’t you? Have you ever thought about the hormone that is related to stress? Yes, there is a hormone – cortisol – that plays a major role in stress. Understanding the science of cortisol and chronic stress will help you manage stress in a better way.

Cortisol – A Few Things to Know

Cortisol is a hormone produced by adrenal glands. Like adrenaline hormone Cortisol is also made and released by adrenal glands. This hormone Cortisol, belongs to glucocorticoids, that is a steroid hormones group.

It is produced in response to all kinds of stress: Acute, chronic, and traumatic stress. Cortisol is important for nearly every function of the body. It plays a role in other physiological functions as well. It regulates the response to stress.

How does Cortisol perform?

This hormone has some serious functions. Some of its functions are mentioned below:

It plays a major role in maintaining the balance of your body.
It enables the body to use glucose for energy.
It reduces inflammation.
It regulates blood pressure.
It aids in regulating sleep.
The body continuously monitors cortisol levels, thus maintaining their balance.

What Causes Stress?

Stress can be the result of many things – work pressure, family-related issues, even lifestyle – can give rise to stress. Every one of us has our causes of stress. Sometimes, stress can be chronic too, and leaving it untreated can cause harm to our mind and body. You have to treat or manage stress, especially chronic stress, to stay healthy – mentally as well as physically.

Managing Chronic Stress and Cortisol

Cortisol plays a major role in the management of stress. However, you should also remember that cortisol, in higher and lower levels, can prove detrimental to your health.

Cortisol helps control how your body uses glucose (sugar) for energy.
It does this in several ways. For example, cortisol tells your pancreas to lower insulin and raise glucagon. Insulin reduces blood sugar, while glucagon increases it.

Cortisol also prioritises your immediate survival by supressing functions like growth of tissue, digestion and reproduction during acute short-term stress.

So, Cortisol doesn’t have only negative role, but it plays an important role in chronic stress management.