cortisol

Everyday

(science) Cortisol is a hormone, a chemical messenger made by the body, that helps it deal with stress and controls energy, sleep and waking. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons, cortisol is sometimes called «the stress hormone»: it rises when you are scared or worried and helps the body react, then should fall again. It is normally highest in the morning to help you wake up. Sleep, exercise and calm breathing help keep it healthy.

Examples

• Cortisol helps your body wake up in the morning. tree →
• When you feel stressed before a test, your cortisol goes up. tree →
• Cortisol is made by small glands above the kidneys. tree →
• Doctors can measure cortisol with a blood test. tree →
• Exercise and sleep help keep cortisol levels healthy. tree →
• Cortisol and adrenaline both help the body react to danger. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Pronounced «KOR-ti-zol». «Stress hormone» is a nickname; cortisol is not bad in itself — the body needs it every day; trouble comes only if it stays too high or too low for a long time.