Epinephrine – the human stress hormone

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Epinephrine is a substance produced under stress. The more common name for the stress hormone is adrenaline. In addition to the stimulating function of the body by increasing blood pressure, anaphylactic shock can be inhibited by adrenaline.

Epinephrine – rising

Epinephrine is a substance produced by the human or animal body under the influence of stress, fear or other violent emotions. It is also called adrenalinewhich stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. It is produced by the adrenal medulla and nerve endings, thus acting as a transmitter.

As a result of extreme emotions, adrenaline causes an increase in blood pressure, acceleration of the heart rate, dilatation of the pupils and bronchi. It can be produced synthetically.

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Epinephrine – action

Its action on individual receptors is complex, as it depends on the amount of produced or administered epinephrine. When the level of adrenaline in the body increases significantly, it causes the blood vessels to constrict and stimulate the heart at the same time.

It is forced to work faster, with more contractions. Low doses of epinephrine will have the opposite effect, which is to lower blood pressure.

Epinephrine in men and women

Men are more explosive and impulsive, women take longer to de-stress. This relationship is conditioned by the specificity of the sex organism. The male carries a Y chromosome with the SRY gene. It is responsible for the amount of adrenaline produced. Since women have two X chromosomes, their bodies produce less stress hormone. The action of adrenaline in men is additionally supported by testosterone.

Estrogen and oxytocin are compounds found in female organisms. They are responsible for inhibiting the action of adrenaline. This is how scientists explain the impetuosity of men and the greater self-control of women.

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Epinephrine – medicinal use

One of the properties of epinephrine is the inhibition of anaphylactic shock. Shock is an allergic reaction to a substance, e.g. wasp venom, bees, nuts. Giving adrenaline to the person experiencing shock is necessary, and in some cases it is the only way to save a life.

Adrenaline is also used to inhibit hemorrhages, because it causes blood vessels to contract and blood pressure to increase. Epinephrine widens the bronchi. Therefore, it is used for swelling of the respiratory tract, breathing problems, and shortness of breath.

Too much epinephrine is bad for your health

The adrenaline level is higher in the morning than in the evening. Therefore, in the morning we are more irritable. The elevated level of epinephrine is the reason why we enter into an argument or argument, but also of increased concentration. This fact is confirmed by statistics. Car accidents and collisions are more common in the afternoon than in the morning.

Stress is a factor in the rise in blood levels of epinephrine. It is also an integral part of everyday life. The cause of stress may be work or school, which is why it is practically impossible to function without it. However, we should try to reduce the level of stress. Activities such as meditation, yoga or tai-chi can be useful here.

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