How cortisol is produced in the body

Typically, the production of cortisol follows a specific process. Click on the steps below to learn more about how the body produces and regulates cortisol.

STEP 1 Hypothalamus signals to pituitary.

When the hypothalamus senses the body needs more cortisol, it releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) that signals to the pituitary gland.

STEP 2 Pituitary signals to adrenal glands-

The pituitary gland responds to CRH by releasing a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that signals to the adrenal glands.

STEP 3 Adrenal glands release cortiso.l

The adrenal glands release cortisol into the bloodstream.

STEP 4 Cortisol binds to cells.

Cortisol travels throughout the body, entering cells and binding to glucocorticoid receptors (GRs).

STEP 5 Hypothalamus detects cortisol levels.

As cortisol levels rise in the body, the hypothalamus detects the increase and responds by reducing the level of CRH signaling the pituitary.

STEP 6 Pituitary decreases signaling to adrenal glands.

Reduced levels of the hormone CRH cause the pituitary gland to decrease the levels of ACTH signaling to the adrenal glands.

STEP 7 Adrenal glands decrease cortisol production.

In response to reduced levels of ACTH, the adrenal glands decrease the production of cortisol.

This tightly controlled feedback loop connects the brain to the rest of the body, which helps maintain homeostasis.

Just like a thermostat adjusts the heating and cooling systems in a house to maintain an even temperature, the HPA axis adjusts the levels of cortisol in the body.