Cortisol

Cortisol is one of the main hormones released in the stress response. When faced with a threat or a difficulty, the body secretes cortisol in order to mobilize energy; in the short term this is functional and necessary. The problem is cortisol staying constantly high; prolonged stress can lead to a wearing-down in the body. Cortisol is a concrete and measurable indicator of stress. In a healthy system, cortisol rises when needed and then returns to normal.