Final answer:
Under stress, the body releases epinephrine and norepinephrine for a short-term energy burst and cortisol for prolonged energy and readiness. However, chronic high levels of cortisol can weaken the immune system and lead to various health issues, including fatigue, depression, and heart conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Impact of Cortisol and Epinephrine in Stress
When the body is stressed, it leads to the activation of both the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Epinephrine and norepinephrine provide a burst of energy, increasing blood glucose levels and oxygen availability by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen and dilating the bronchioles. In contrast, cortisol helps prepare for the fight-or-flight response in the short term, but prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol can lead to several harmful effects, such as weakening the immune system, increasing the potential for depression and other illnesses, and contributing to severe fatigue or heart conditions during the stage of exhaustion.
Long-term stress responses involve the release of corticosteroids, including glucocorticoids like cortisol and mineralocorticoids like aldosterone. These hormones promote the breakdown of fat for energy and affect glucose metabolism but can suppress the immune system when present in elevated levels over long periods.