A Prospective Observation Study on Role of Serum Cortisol Levels in Stress Condition and its Management

Stress is a pervasive global health concern that affects individuals across all age groups, with students being particularly vulnerable due to academic pressures, including examinations, results, and placements. Stress is influenced by mental, environmental, and social factors, and prolonged exposure can significantly impact both mental and physical health. Common manifestations among students include anxiety, depression, loneliness, and headaches, while adults experience stress due to work demands, family responsibilities, and interpersonal issues. Coping strategies such as yoga, meditation, exercise, and spending quality time with family and friends have been shown to alleviate stress and promote overall well-being. At the physiological level, stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in the secretion of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Acute stress triggers a transient rise in cortisol, aiding the body in coping with immediate challenges. However, chronic stress leads to sustained hypercortisolemia, which may result in hypertension, hyperglycemia, impaired immune function, mood disorders, and cognitive decline. Persistent Dysregulation of the HPA axis can also contribute to cortisol resistance, commonly observed in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout syndrome. Monitoring cortisol levels through serum, salivary, or urinary measurements provides an objective biomarker for evaluating stress and adrenal function. Early identification and management of stress are essential to prevent long-term adverse health outcomes. Recognizing stress symptoms, understanding underlying causes, and implementing effective coping mechanisms are crucial for maintaining mental and physical health in both students and working adults.