{"id":9696,"date":"2025-04-24T02:47:19","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T23:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=9696"},"modified":"2026-04-20T18:54:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T15:54:31","slug":"the-endocrine-system-and-stress-as-hormones-control-our-reactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/the-endocrine-system-and-stress-as-hormones-control-our-reactions\/","title":{"rendered":"The endocrine system and stress: how hormones control our reactions"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we are \u00abstressed\u00bb \u2013 the body already works according to a different scenario<\/h2>\n

Stress is not just an emotional reaction. It is a complex biochemical process in which the endocrine system<\/strong>. It is she who starts a chain of hormonal changes that help adapt to the threat, but in the case of chronic stress can become a source of numerous disorders. To understand why we get tired, lose weight or, conversely, gain it, it is worth looking at how stress changes the functioning of the hormonal system.<\/p>\n

How does the endocrine response to stress work?<\/h2>\n

In a stressful situation, the so-called hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA)<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    Hypothalamus<\/strong> secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Pituitary<\/strong> responds to the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Adrenal glands<\/strong> under the action of ACTH secrete cortisol<\/strong> <\/a>\u2014 the main stress hormone<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    At the same time, the sympatho-adrenal system is activated: adrenalin<\/strong> and norepinephrine<\/strong>. Together, these hormones prepare the body for \u00abfight or flight\u00bb: they increase heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, and mobilize energy.<\/p>\n

    What happens with chronic stress?<\/h2>\n

    In case of prolonged exposure to irritants the endocrine system goes into overload mode<\/strong>. Consequences:<\/p>\n