Hormonal changes in the body and the secretion of different types of hormones are very closely linked to how we feel during moments of fear, stress, happiness, and so on. Hormones are chemical compounds produced by the body which regulate the various mechanisms of the body.
Adrenalin vs Cortisol
The main difference between Adrenalin and Cortisol is that Adrenalin is secreted by the body during moments of sudden danger, hence the hormone is also known as the “flight or fight” hormone. Cortisol on the other hand is secreted by the body during situations of high stress. The effects of Cortisol are also comparatively longer.
Adrenalin is a hormone produced by the body during situations of sudden danger. It is most often produced during situations when an immediate and quick reaction is needed. Hence the hormone is commonly known as the “flight or fight” hormone. One of the common effects that the hormone produces is the increase in heart rate.
Cortisol is also a hormone produced by the body. The hormone is most often secreted during intense situations or at times of high stress. The hormone is commonly referred to as the “stress” hormone as it is produced only during stressful situations. The release of this hormone stabilizes the blood pressure.
Comparison Table Between Adrenalin and Cortisol
| Parameters of Comparison | Adrenalin | Cortisol |
| Definition | Adrenalin is a hormone secreted during situations of sudden danger | Cortisol is a hormone secreted during situations of stress |
| Purpose | It is secreted when immediate action is required | It is secreted when a stressful activity is to be performed |
| Effects | The heart rate increases during adrenalin secretion | Cortisol secretion stabilizes the blood pressure |
| Duration | The effects only stay for a few seconds | The effects are comparatively longer, lasting for a few minutes |
| Consequences | Too much secretion of adrenalin may lead to exhaustion and fatigue | Too much secretion of Cortisol may lead to elevated stress levels |
What is Adrenalin?
Adrenalin is a hormone secreted by the body during situations of sudden danger. It is a response system of the body which is triggered in such situations, leading to the secretion of this hormone.
As hormones are responsible for the functioning of the different mechanisms of the body, the secretion of Adrenalin helps the body react accordingly in the face of danger.
As the response required in such situations is immediate and quick, the hormone is also known as the “Flight or Fight” hormone due to its nature.
Adrenalin is produced in the Adrenalin glands. Although they are primarily released from these glands, some quantity of Adrenalin is also released from the brain. One of the primary functions of Adrenalin is to increase the heart rate.
As more blood flows through the body, more oxygen is consumed and thus the rate of breathing also increases. This is followed by tightening of muscles, typically of hands and legs and the abdomen.
More amount of energy gets consumed during the process and the person feels more energetic with the release of Adrenalin. As the hormone is secreted into the brain, the power of attention also increases and the person becomes more aware of the surroundings.
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is also a hormone produced by the body. The hormone is also produced and released by the Adrenalin glands, although the release of the hormone is not a single-step process and it involves the reaction between a couple of different hormones.
It is commonly referred to as the “stress hormone” as it is primarily released during situations of high stress. The release of his hormones triggers the mechanism of the body that deals with such stressful situations
The hormone is also known as the “survival hormone” as the release of this hormone is also linked to the primal, survivalist instincts of the human body.
As the hormone is released by the same Adrenalin glands, it is released in the same locations of the body, leading to similar reactions as a response to the release of the hormone.
Thus some of the reactions to the release of this hormone are tightening of muscles, an increase of attention, and a feeling of an increase in energy in the body.
Apart from these reactions, this hormone also stabilizes the blood pressure, creating a sense of peace in the mind. Along with this, the hormone also suppresses the reproductive drive of the body, digestion, and even the immunity system.
Main Differences Between Adrenalin and Cortisol
Conclusion
The different mechanisms of the body are controlled by the different compounds produced by the body, which are known as hormones.
The hormonal changes trigger the different mechanisms of the body and this stimulus results in the body reacting to the circumstances, unconsciously.
The hormones are also linked to emotions and thus hormonal changes can also affect the way we feel throughout the day. Both Adrenalin and Cortisol are produced and released by the Adrenalin glands.
These hormones are also released during similar situations, in the face of sudden danger or a stressful situation, respectively. These hormones primarily trigger the survivalist mechanisms of the body.
Adrenalin is also known as the “Flight or Fight” hormone as it is responsible for the immediate response mechanism of the body. It increases the attention span of a person.
Cortisol is also known as the “stress hormone” as it is released during stressful situations. It stabilizes the blood pressure so that a person is able to think clearly.
References
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