Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland. It is involved in the body’s stress response and helps regulate a wide range of processes throughout the body, including blood sugar levels, blood pressure, immune function, and inflammation. Cortisol levels increase in response to stress, which helps the body handle the stress by providing an extra burst of energy. However, chronic stress can lead to chronically elevated cortisol levels, which can have negative effects on health, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, and cognitive impairment.