{"id":8869,"date":"2024-12-18T15:32:58","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T13:32:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=8869"},"modified":"2026-04-20T18:54:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T15:54:45","slug":"the-biochemistry-of-stress-how-the-body-reacts-to-anxiety-at-the-molecular-level","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/the-biochemistry-of-stress-how-the-body-reacts-to-anxiety-at-the-molecular-level\/","title":{"rendered":"The biochemistry of stress: how the body responds to anxiety at the molecular level"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What is the biochemistry of stress?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The biochemistry of stress is a branch of neurobiology and physiology that studies how the body's chemicals change in response to psycho-emotional or physical stress. Stress is not only a subjective feeling of anxiety, but also a clearly regulated response of the neuroendocrine system<\/strong>, which affects all organs and systems.<\/p>\n

How stress works: a staged response<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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  1. \n

    Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis)<\/strong>
    When a person feels threatened (physical or psychological), the hypothalamus activates the production of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, in turn, produces adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which acts on the adrenal glands.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Release of cortisol and adrenaline<\/strong>
    The adrenal glands begin to massively produce cortisol (glucocorticoid) and adrenaline.
    Cortisol: increases glucose levels, reduces immune response, affects mood and memory.
    Adrenaline: speeds up the heartbeat, constricts blood vessels, prepares the body for the "fight or flight" response.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Neurotransmitter changes<\/strong>
    The brain changes level dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine<\/strong>, which affects mood, attention, and motivation. In long-term stress, an imbalance of these substances is associated with depression and anxiety disorders.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Table: Main substances involved in the biochemistry of stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Substance<\/th>\nSource<\/th>\nFunction under stress<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    CRH<\/td>\nHypothalamus<\/td>\nActivation of the stress response<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    ACTH<\/td>\nPituitary<\/td>\nAdrenal stimulation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Cortisol<\/td>\nAdrenal glands<\/td>\nGlucose, immune response, energy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Adrenalin<\/a><\/td>\nAdrenal glands<\/td>\nCardiovascular activation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Noradrenaline<\/td>\nBrain, adrenal glands<\/td>\nAlertness, tone, vascular reactions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Dopamine<\/td>\nBrain (mesolimbic system)<\/td>\nEmotions, motivation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Serotonin<\/td>\nBrain, intestines<\/td>\nMood, appetite, sleep<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    \"Illustration<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    The consequences of prolonged stress at the biochemical level<\/strong><\/h3>\n