Hey.. Calm down, or else

Ever hear of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis? (HPA)

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a complex communication system between three key parts of the body: the hypothalamus in the brain, the pituitary gland also located in the brain, and the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys.

The HPA axis is responsible for the body's stress response and plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions such as metabolism, immune system, and mood.

When the hypothalamus detects a stressful situation, it releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) which stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) into the bloodstream. ACTH then travels to the adrenal glands and signals the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that helps the body respond to the stressor by increasing blood sugar levels, suppressing the immune system, and altering metabolism.

Once the stressor is gone, the HPA axis returns to its normal state and cortisol levels decrease. However, chronic stress can cause the HPA axis to remain activated, which can lead to negative health consequences such as anxiety, depression, and impaired immune function.

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