Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress. It is involved in a variety of body processes, including metabolism, immune function, and inflammation. Cortisol levels are highest in the morning and lowest at night.

The release of cortisol is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a feedback loop between the brain and the adrenal glands. When the body perceives a threat, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then stimulate