Cortisol is a hormone made by your adrenal glands that helps control stress, blood sugar, and how your body uses energy.
The name is based on “cortex,” referring to the adrenal cortex where it’s produced, plus the chemical suffix “-ol” used for many alcohol-type molecules. It was named in the 20th century as scientists identified specific hormones.
Cortisol is often called the ‘stress hormone,’ but it’s not the villain people think. Without it, you couldn’t wake up properly, respond to emergencies, or keep your blood sugar stable. Too much is bad—but so is too little; balance is everything.
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