Final answer:
The body releases epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol during stress. Cortisol provides energy, regulates glucose, and has anti-inflammatory properties, but long-term elevation can weaken the immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
During times of stress, the body releases several hormones to prepare for the 'fight-or-flight' response. Three key hormones released are epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol.
Focusing on cortisol, this hormone helps by providing a boost of energy during the initial stress response, stimulating glucose production, and delivering anti-inflammatory effects.
These actions of cortisol help to prepare the body to respond to a stressor, either by fighting it off or fleeing from it.
However, prolonged elevated levels of cortisol can have detrimental effects, such as weakening the immune system.