Example Of Hormones, Stress, And Health Essay

It is prudent to begin this discussion by pointing out that there is no definite definition for stress, either as a condition or a word. Therefore, its meaning depends on the context of use. Accordingly, this discussion focuses on stress as a situation that disturbs the equilibrium between a being and its environment; the feeling a being has that demands surpass its resources. This condition no doubt precipitates change in the body’s hormones serum level, as the body tries to respond or protect itself from the stressful stimuli. The most common response is the increase in the levels of hormones, which is geared at marshalling enough energy sources to enable the organism to adapt or cope with the situation.
In this regard, stress causes the pituitary-adrenal axis to be activated. This activation causes the hypothalamus to produce corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF), which in turn arouses the pituitary and triggers the endocrine system. It is during this process that hormones such as adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and endorphin are produced. The release of ACTH in turn leads to the release of cortisol. Once the endocrine system is triggered these hormones are secreted in the bloodstream. The extent of increase varies from organism to organism, and may depend on the level of stress the organism is experiencing. The secretion of the corticotrophin releasing factor also stimulates a behavioral response to the stress. Since the amygdala has corticotrophin releasing factor receptors, the release of the corticotrophin releasing factor stimulates the amygdala, causing an emotional response to the stress.
Though cortisol assists the body in responding to stress, if it is produced in high levels it hampers the secretion of corticotrophin releasing factor by the hypothalamus. Once the hypothalamus is so inhibited, the pituitary then produces less ACTH, which in turn reduces the amount of cortisol secreted in the bloodstream; this process is what is referred to as a negative feedback system.
Even though the short term stimulation of the pituitary-adrenal axis causes the immune system to be on high alert, the long term stimulation of the pituitary-adrenal axis causes the change in the amount of immune cells and cytokines in the body. This alteration adversely affects inflammatory and immune responses. This lowers the number of lymphocytes, especially T cells, which reduces the ability of the immune system to respond to medication and also results to tardy healing of wounds. In other instances, the hormones cause early activation or migration of T cells (and in some cases B cells as well) from the lymphoid organs, which renders them ineffective in fighting pathogens. The net effect of the reduction in the number of lymphocytes is that the immune system is suppressed, and the body becomes susceptible to disease and infection. Additionally, the body may take long to fight diseases already in the body.
The management of stress or the response to it assists in overcoming the foregoing negative aspects. In some cases, especially instances of acute stress, such management can boost the immune system to enable the body cope effectively to the stress. Much of the discourse on the management of stress focuses on cognitive behavioral therapies. Thus for instance, during a period of acute stress such as during an examination, thinking of positive things like going for a holiday after the exam can enable the body to cope effectively with the exam, and even perform well.
In conclusion therefore, stress stimulates a hormonal response in the body. The body produces hormones to enable it deal with the stress. These hormones have a positive and negative effect on the body, depending on the level and length of production. The extent of production of the hormones depends on the nature and amount of the stress. Where the stress is acute, the production of the hormones is limited, and this enables the immune system to be on high alert, which is to a large extent a positive effect. On the other hand, if the stress is chronic, the body produces more hormones, which might suppress the immune system making the body incapable of effectively fighting diseases; this is no doubt a negative effect.