  cortisol is a steroid hormone, more specifically a glucocorticoid, which is produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. it is released in response to stress and a low level of blood glucose. its functions are to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, to suppress the immune system, and to aid the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrate. it also decreases bone formation.{{cite journal | author = chyun ys, kream be, raisz lg | title 
Anxiety Anxiogenics Depressogenics Glucocorticoids Otologicals Stress World_Health_Organization_essential_medicines