What does cortisol primarily help the body manage?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and it plays a vital role in the body's response to stress. Often referred to as the "stress hormone," cortisol is released in response to various stressors, including physical stress, emotional stress, and injury. It helps to regulate numerous functions, including the metabolism of glucose, the immune response, and blood pressure, primarily to prepare the body to handle stressful situations.

When a person experiences stress, cortisol levels rise, which helps to mobilize energy stores by increasing glucose in the bloodstream, allowing for a quick supply of energy. Additionally, it assists in suppressing non-essential functions that might interfere with the body's immediate response to stress, such as digestion and reproductive processes. This rapid response is crucial for survival, enabling the body to either "fight or flee."

In contrast, while cortisol does influence metabolism to some extent, especially in terms of energy regulation, its primary role is firmly rooted in the management of stress responses—making the associated options regarding sleep cycles, growth processes, and general metabolism less relevant in terms of its primary function.