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  Dictionary: Cortisol

Cortisol is a steroidal hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is released in response to stress. It increases blood sugar and blood pressure, supresses the immune system, decreases bone formation, and aids in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism.

Prolonged higher levels of cortisol in the blood have many negative side effects which can lead to abdominal obesity, heart attack, stroke and metabolic syndrome.