The hormone primarily associated with stress in the body is cortisol. Released by the adrenal glands during stressful situations, cortisol plays a crucial role in the "fight or flight" response. Its effects include increasing blood sugar levels, enhancing energy availability, and suppressing non-essential functions like digestion and reproduction. While cortisol is vital for managing acute stress, chronic elevation can lead to negative health outcomes, such as weight gain, sleep disruption, and impaired immunity. Managing stress effectively is essential to maintain healthy cortisol levels.