Adrenaline: A Versatile Hormone

As a hormone and neurotransmitter, adrenaline takes on important functions, but can also cause chronic stress, headaches or feelings of anxiety.

We’ve all heard of adrenaline. You probably associate the release of adrenaline with activity, motivation, and energy. As a hormone and neurotransmitter, adrenaline  performs  important functions, but it can also cause chronic stress, headaches or feelings of anxiety.

Today you will learn more about this hormone that you need to provide the body with strength.

What is adrenaline?

It is a hormone that also functions as a neurotransmitter and is made in the adrenal medulla, but it is also found in the central nervous system. It reaches the entire body via the bloodstream and takes on important functions: 

• The body’s energy requirement is particularly high in stressful situations, so in this case adrenaline helps to provide strength to enable people to flee or fight in dangerous situations  .
• This hormone helps you be powerful to achieve your goals.
• This increases the heart rate and blood pressure and improves lung capacity. The pupils also dilate. The muscles of the arms and legs are supplied with more blood.
• In addition, adrenaline influences the metabolism: This signals the liver to release more glucose, which is why the blood sugar level rises. This increases the efficiency of the brain. 
• But the hormone also affects the digestive system when the brain senses danger. It slows down bowel movement and digestion  so that all of the energy can be focused on the muscles.

How does the adrenaline rush come about?

In the event of danger, adrenaline is released in seconds in the adrenal medulla to give the body the strength it needs to react accordingly. You can react so quickly and protect yourself. 

After this hormone is released, cortisol is released in order to reduce the adverse effects of high adrenaline levels while at the same time ensuring continued vigilance.

The positive and negative sides

Adrenaline has many positive sides and is fundamental for daily life and also for personality!

Adrenaline helps you feel “alive”

A rush of adrenaline makes you feel good, it acts like a drug that you feel when you play extreme sports, dance, ride a roller coaster, fall in love, etc. Some people even become addicted to it and need more and more. You are taking ever greater risks to feel the adrenaline. 

Among other things, adrenaline can keep depression away because it also plays a role in serotonin production. Serotonin is also known as the happiness hormone because it ensures well-being.

Sports and fun with friends are perfect for stimulating the release of adrenaline.

Too much of a good thing has negative consequences

Excessive worry, stress, regular feelings of fear or physical overexertion over a long period of time  can lead to an increased release of adrenaline.

But too much adrenaline can have a negative impact on your health. It can lead to high blood pressure, an overactive metabolism, palpitations, headache, tiredness, dizziness, abdominal pain, sleep disorders or other unpleasant consequences. 

Balanced adrenaline levels are essential for health. An active lifestyle, a healthy social life, stress management and healthy habits make an important contribution to the quality of life.