In the modern environment one is exposed to various stressful conditions. Stress can lead to changes in the serum level of many hormones including glucocorticoids, catecholamines, growth hormone and prolactin. Some of these changes are necessary for the fight or flight response to protect oneself. Some of these stressful responses can lead to endocrine disorders like Graves’ disease, gonadal dysfunction, psychosexual dwarfism and obesity. Stress can also alter the clinical status of many preexisting endocrine disorders such as precipitation of adrenal crisis and thyroid storm.

When the body experiences stress, it triggers changes in hormone levels. Stress responses involve increased secretion of several key hormones—such as glucocorticoids, catecholamines, growth hormone, and prolactin. These hormones work together to mobilize energy reserves and help the body adapt to the challenging situation.

The activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a key neuroendocrine response to stress that supports survival. When the body experiences stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), β-lipotropin, and β-endorphin. During stressful events, levels of these hormones can increase by two to five times in humans. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus coordinates this stress response, and its activity is influenced by neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine.

During periods of stress, thyroid function is typically suppressed. Levels of the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) tend to decrease. This suppression is partly due to the action of glucocorticoids on the central nervous system, which inhibits the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a key regulator of thyroid activity.

Stress suppresses the levels of circulating gonadotropins and gonadal steroid hormones, often disrupting the normal menstrual cycle. Prolonged or chronic stress can lead to significant impairment of reproductive function. This effect is largely due to reduced stimulation of the pituitary gland by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), likely caused by elevated levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) produced during stress.

The body's response to stress is complex and deeply rooted in the endocrine system. Hormones like cortisol, thyroid hormones, and gonadotropins play crucial roles in adapting to stress, each undergoing distinct changes that help prioritize survival over other bodily functions. While cortisol levels rise to manage immediate demands, thyroid and reproductive hormones are often suppressed to conserve energy. Understanding these hormonal shifts not only highlights the intricate balance within our bodies but also emphasizes the importance of managing stress for overall hormonal and physiological health.