Many individuals - especially those classified as "type-A" personalities - claim to thrive on the adrenaline rush they get from high stress situations.

It's true that some people can handle stress better than others, due to factors such as genetic heritage.

However, chronically high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol will eventually degrade the health of even the hardiest among us.

Hormonal Havoc

Crucial to maintaining homeostasis in the body during a stressful event are the adrenal glands.  Sitting atop the kidneys, these tiny glands weigh only 3-5 grams but are responsible for producing a wide array of hormones including:

* Cortisol

* DHEA

* Pregnenolone

* Estrogen

* Epinephrine

* Norepinephrine

* Progesterone

* Testosterone

* Androstenedione

* Aldosterone

In an "ideal" stressful situation (chased by a tiger), your adrenal glands respond by flooding the body with the appropriate hormones, prompting you to take action (fight or run).

Once the danger has been averted and the stress subsides, your body returns to a more relaxed state and any necessary repairs are initiated.  This is the natural stress cycle that our bodies evolved to handle.

Location of the adrenal glands

But if the stress becomes unrelenting (such as with modern life), your adrenals can begin to malfunction, causing an imbalance in hormone production.

Overtime this makes your body less resistant to any form of stress.

Particularly worrisome in this scenario is the hormone cortisol. Too much or too little cortisol can have devastating effects on your health.

Over production of cortisol for a prolonged period of time can contribute to the following health conditions:

* Insulin resistance

* High blood sugar

* High insulin levels

* Obesity

* Heart disease

* Diabetes

* Low immunity

* Decreased brain function

* Insomnia

Too little cortisol due to adrenal insufficiency can contribute to the following health conditions:

* Hypoglycemia

* Inflammation

* Allergies

* Insomnia

* Decreased brain function

* Emotional instability

* Depression

* Chronic fatigue

Another hormone that is directly affected by stress is called DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).  This anabolic hormone promotes tissue renewal by stimulating cell activity such as bone building cells and skin cells. DHEA acts as an antagonist to cortisol, helping to keep its damaging effects in check.

Studies show that individuals with low levels of DHEA suffer more from diseases of aging such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression and mental decline.

Conversely, individuals with optimal ratios of DHEA to cortisol tend to be more resistant to stress and less susceptible to aging related diseases.

Although its function in the body is not yet fully understood, DHEA has demonstrated in numerous studies to have a positive impact on:

* Mood

* Body fat

* Muscle mass

* Immune function

* Sexual performance

* Aging skin

* Bone loss

* Energy levels

In part 3 we will discuss the various sources of stress that are commonplace in modern life and the most effective coping strategies to help minimize stress in your life.