cortisol
/ˈkɔːrtɪsɔːl/
noun
- A hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress; it helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure.
- Chronic high cortisol levels can lead to weight gain and sleep problems.
- When you feel stressed, your body releases cortisol to give you a burst of energy.
- Doctors measure cortisol to check for conditions like Cushing's syndrome.