In brief
When you face a challenge, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol that prepare you for action. Stress is a common and normal response.
- Long-lasting stress can make you more vulnerable to infection and illness.
- Over time, stress may cause acne or hair loss.
- Chronic stress could be a sign of depression or anxiety, according to healthdirect.
How it works
Stress is a common and normal physical response to challenging or new situations. Your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline, and the sympathetic nervous system makes the heart beat faster and stronger. A hormone called ACTH tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol, and stress raises cortisol levels.
Stress becomes a problem when it lasts a long time or feels overwhelming. Long-lasting stress can affect breathing, blood pressure, digestion, fertility and sex drive, muscles, immunity, skin and hair. Relaxation techniques can help you manage stress and boost your ability to cope.
Connections
4 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Stress response (HPA axis) is part of
Under stress your body releases hormones such as adrenaline, and the sympathetic nervous system makes the heart beat faster and stronger.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Stress; InformedHealth.org (IQWiG), NCBI Bookshelf, In brief: How does the nervous system work?
Stress response (HPA axis) can worsen
Stress is one trigger of IBS symptoms, along with diet, infection and some medicines.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Stress response (HPA axis) can raise
Stress raises cortisol, and a hormone called ACTH tells the adrenal glands to produce it.
Stress response (HPA axis) can lead to
- Chronic stress (allostatic load) Supported
Stress becomes a problem when it lasts a long time.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Stress
Lab tests
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect, Pathology Tests Explained and InformedHealth.org. Sources read on 13 and 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.