Cortisol is made in the adrenal glands, just above your kidneys. Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone, meaning that it's released in response to threatening situations. It also signals the liver to increase glucose production to prepare the body for physical activity and prevents the release of certain substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Although cortisol is absolutely essential for life, excessive amounts can give rise to difficulties including increased stress and generalized anxiety, troubled sleep, suppressed immunity,