Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Prolonged cortisol release refers to an extended period of elevated levels of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, and sustained high levels can have various impacts on the body's functioning.
Small glands located above the kidneys that secrete hormones including cortisol.
HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis): The complex feedback system involving interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands that regulates stress responses and cortisol release.
Allostasis: The process by which the body achieves stability through physiological or behavioral changes in response to internal or external stressors.