Which hormone is produced by the adrenal cortex as a response to long-term stress?

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and plays a critical role in the body’s response to long-term stress. When the body is under stress, particularly in chronic situations, cortisol helps regulate several vital functions. It increases blood sugar levels, enhances the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, and dampens the immune response, thereby aiding in the maintenance of energy levels during prolonged stress.

The secretion of cortisol is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and involves a signaling cascade that ultimately leads to the adrenal cortex ramping up production of this hormone in response to stress signals. This is crucial for helping the body cope with sustained periods of stress where energy mobilization and suppression of other bodily functions are necessary.

Testosterone, produced primarily in the testes, is primarily associated with male development and reproductive functions, and while it can have some physiological responses, it is not directly involved in the regulation of long-term stress.

Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is mainly responsible for regulating blood glucose levels and does not play a role in stress responses. Adrenaline, on the other hand, is a hormone released by the adrenal medulla primarily during acute stress situations,