Which hormone is often called the "stress hormone"?

• A. Adrenaline
• B. Cortisol
• C. Norepinephrine
• D. Glucagon

Answer: (B)

Cortisol is commonly referred to as the "stress hormone" due to its significant role in the body's response to stress. When an individual experiences stress, whether it's physical, emotional, or environmental, the adrenal glands release cortisol. This hormone helps regulate many functions in the body, including metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure. It prepares the body to respond to a stressor by increasing energy availability and modulating various physiological systems.

High levels of cortisol are particularly evident in situations of chronic stress, affecting overall health and potentially leading to various health issues if not managed appropriately. This association with stress management is what primarily earns cortisol its nickname, distinguishing it from other hormones that may also be released during stress but do not play as central a regulatory role in the stress response.