Which hormones are commonly referred to as the "stress hormones"?

Cortisol and adrenaline are commonly referred to as "stress hormones" because they play crucial roles in the body's response to stress. When an individual encounters a stressful situation, the hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to release these hormones as part of the body's "fight or flight" response.

Cortisol, known as the primary stress hormone, helps to regulate metabolism and the immune response. It increases blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, supports the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, and helps the body manage stress by modulating the immune response.

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is released quickly in response to acute stress and affects various body systems by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supply. Together, cortisol and adrenaline prepare the body to respond to stressors effectively.

The other options include hormones that serve different physiological roles. Insulin and glucagon are primarily involved in regulating blood sugar levels; estrogen and testosterone are key in reproductive processes and secondary sexual characteristics; whereas thyroxine and calcitonin are involved in metabolic regulation and calcium homeostasis, respectively.