Cortisol Research Paper

Cortisol levels rise when the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is triggered. This is caused by the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH) which then traveled to the pituitary gland due to danger sensed by the brain. Cortisol levels will only fall when no more danger is sensed. The parasympathetic nervous system then dampens the stress response. The release of cortisol heightened our senses as it triggers combinations of stress reactions, also known as the fight-or-flight" response. Hence it acts as an essential survival mechanism, enabling us to be on high alert and react quickly to life-threatening situations.

Other benefits include controlling blood sugar levels, regulating fat, protein, and carbohydrate metabolism to maintain blood glucose, modulating immune responses, reducing inflammation and assisting with memory formulation. It also controls salt and water balance which controls blood pressure. Furthermore, it supports developing fetus during pregnancy. Thus cortisol plays a significant role in our lives as it maintains our health and well-being.
This leads to intestinal and digestive problems and infertility or miscarriage inflammation. The occurrence of metabolic derangement causes intense hunger, depression, mental illness and lower life expectancy. It also disrupts memory in the hippocampus and has substantial effects on the plasticity of sensory areas of the brain, affecting our perception and perceptual learning due to elevated glucocorticoid levels. Therefore high or low cortisol levels affect our health, lifestyle, and ability to learn negatively due to the underperformance of certain functions of our