Research suggests that chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, promotes the formation of artery-clogging deposits, and causes brain changes that may contribute to anxiety, depression, and addiction. Chronic stress may also contribute to obesity, both through direct mechanisms (causing people to eat more) or indirectly (decreasing sleep and exercise).

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Under high stress, as the initial surge of epinephrine subsides, the hypothalamus activates the second component of the stress response system — known as the HPA axis. This network consists of the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands.

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The HPA axis relies on a series of hormonal signals to keep the sympathetic nervous system — the "gas pedal" — pressed down. If the brain continues to perceive something as dangerous, the hypothalamus releases a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which travels to the pituitary gland, triggering the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone travels to the adrenal glands, prompting them to release cortisol.

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In addition to a surge in cortisol, the body releases a cascade of some hormones and reduces the level of others when it's under stress. Here's a look into what those other stress hormones are and what they do for us:

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Adrenaline

When stressed, your adrenal glands release epinephrine (also known as adrenaline). We all know adrenaline as the hormone that kicks in when someone's about to jump out of a plane or take a big risk at work. It kicks up your heart rate, increases blood pressure, and can lead to sweaty palms.

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Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline) is another hormone that gets released from the adrenal glands and brain during stressful times. According to functional medicine practitioner William Cole, D.C., IFMCP, chronic stress will cause prolonged higher levels of norepinephrine, which can in turn fuel anxiety, poor sleep, irregular heartbeats, and higher blood pressure.

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Insulin

Integrative medicine physician Bindiya Gandhi, M.D., notes that there's a direct correlation between insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels, and the increase of cortisol that happens when you're stressed. "When cortisol levels spike, it also causes a surge release in insulin, which negatively affects glucose metabolism," she says. "As a result, you may crave more sugars, carbs, and sweets, which then perpetuates the vicious cycle and [triggers] cortisol release."

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Prolactin

Another hormone that rises with exposure to stress is prolactin. "We normally hear about this only in terms of women and breastfeeding, as it's the hormone signaling milk production," functional medicine doctor Mark Hyman, M.D., explains. "However, both men and women have this hormone, and high levels can disrupt the balance of estrogen and progesterone and may also impact emotional regulation."

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Estrogen

When a woman is chronically stressed, estrogen levels can be suppressed. In addition to messing with your menstrual cycle, this dip can have an impact on your mental health. Women are 1.5 to three times more likely to have a major depressive episode in their lifetime than men, and scientists are now investigating whether the link between estrogen, serotonin, and mood could be to blame.

 

Testosterone

During times of chronic stress, testosterone can decrease, too, "contributing or causing fatigue, muscle loss, and low libido in both men and women".

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