Which hormones are commonly referred to as stress hormones?

The hormones commonly referred to as stress hormones are indeed cortisol and adrenaline. When the body perceives stress, it activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which leads to the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands. Cortisol helps to manage stress by increasing blood sugar levels, enhancing brain function, and regulating various bodily functions to prepare for a fight-or-flight response.

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is another hormone released during stressful situations, particularly during acute stress responses. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability, enabling the body to react quickly to perceived threats.

While catecholamines include both adrenaline and norepinephrine, the primary hormones most specifically associated with the stress response are cortisol and adrenaline. This makes the answer highlighting these two hormones the most accurate when discussing stress responses, as they play crucial roles in managing the body's reaction to stressors.