The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a complex system that helps your body respond to stress. When you face a stressful situation, your brain's hypothalamus releases signals to the pituitary gland, which then prompts the adrenal glands on your kidneys to produce cortisol, a hormone that helps manage stress, maintain energy, and regulate other body functions. Once the stress subsides, these signals decrease, and cortisol levels return to normal, maintaining balance. This axis plays a key role in how your body reacts to stress and helps recover afterward.