Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis:

Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a complex network of hormones, is the body’s main stress response system. Once activated by stress, a neuroendocrine link — between stress and physiological reactions (fight-or-flight response/FFR) — releases glucocorticoids (hormones controlling how cells use sugar/fat and curb inflammation). Stress during development has significant, long-reaching effects. Some stress is necessary for healthy development and aging, but chronic stress dysregulates the HPA axis and compromises our ability to cope.