Adrenal glands, which lie above your kidneys, generate and secrete the steroid hormone cortisol. Cortisol regulates the body's reaction to stress and has several other effects. In addition to regulating blood pressure, cortisol speeds up glucose metabolism and decreases inflammation. To function, our bodies require cortisol. In excess, though, it might cause us to overreact to everyday stresses like long commutes, public speaking, or marital arguments. Medical problems that result in abnormally high or low cortisol levels can be identified with the aid of a cortisol test.
