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Hormonal
Cortisol
The primary stress hormone — regulates metabolism, immune function, and the body's fight-or-flight response.
Optimal Range
6-18 μg/dL (morning, optimal) · Context-dependent
Why It Matters
Chronically elevated cortisol accelerates aging through muscle wasting, bone loss, immune suppression, and visceral fat accumulation. Dysregulated cortisol is a hallmark of chronic stress and HPA axis dysfunction.