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Hello fellow classmates,



The primary hormone released during the flight or flight response is epinephrine. Epinephrine releases energy to major muscle groups and also increases the heart rate and blood pressure. The other hormones that are released are norepinephrine that is produced by the adrenal glands. Norepinephrine works with epinephrine and causes the individual to become more alert aroused and enhance their attention span. Lastly cortisol while it is affiliated with chronic stress, it releases energy through increased blood sugar in the body.

Long term effects of a elevated epinephrine level can cause issues with the cardiovascular system, brain, and immune function. Persistent elevated epinephrine levels can damage blood vessels and arteries due to vasiconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) because it increases resistance to blood flowing freely through the body through already narrow blood vessels. Epinephrine can cause damage to the brain by causing constriction of the brains small blood vessels and reduces oxygen and blood flow which can cause a condition called cerebral ischemia. In the event of cerebral ischemia which is a condition that starves the brain cells of oxygen and nutrients it can cause severe brain damage. Another long term effect of epinephrine is immune system suppression, causing the immune system to weaken making the body more susceptible to infections and making any wounds heal more slowly. I actually had this issue when I was going through a rough time in my life in 2021, I continually got sick and my hoshimotos auto immune hypothyroidism got worse.

Adverse childhood experiences categories are abuse neglect and household dysfunction. ACE can cause a higher risk of serious health problems and major social issues. ACE can cause serious mental health long term causing suicidal thoughts, alcoholism, and depression. A higher ACE score can even cause a increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease cancer and diabetes. All in all affecting how a individual develops and manages stress and their mental health. You can change your own reactions to help lessen the affects of ACE. One way is by managing your own stress and mental health. Getting professional help such as a counselor or therapist to recieve tools and ways to work through your own stress and mental health Another way you can prevent it is through a healthy diet and exercise. Create a safebqnd stable home for your children encourage a child's ongoing relationship with a trusted adult such as a parent grandparents or teacher. Another way i can prevent ACE is recognize my reactions and remember that they are a result of past experiences before reacting.

Answer 1

Hi — thanks for a thoughtful post and for sharing your personal experience. A few supportive comments and small clarifications that might be helpful for classmates:

- You’re right that epinephrine (adrenaline) is the main hormone of the acute “fight-or-flight” response: it raises heart rate and mobilizes energy. Norepinephrine works closely with it and acts both as a hormone (from the adrenal medulla) and as a neurotransmitter from sympathetic nerves, increasing alertness and vascular tone. Cortisol (from the adrenal cortex) is more involved in the longer-term stress response and raises blood glucose through gluconeogenesis while suppressing some immune functions.

- One nuance about vascular effects: epinephrine can cause vasoconstriction in many vascular beds via alpha receptors, but it can also cause vasodilation in skeletal muscle via beta-2 receptors. Still, chronic sympathetic activation and repeated surges of catecholamines contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular risk.

- On brain effects: prolonged high cortisol levels are linked to structural and functional changes in brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (affecting memory and emotion regulation). Acute catecholamine surges can reduce blood flow in some brain areas, and over time stressed physiology increases risk for cognitive and mood problems.

- Your point about immune suppression and worse autoimmune symptoms during stress is well supported — stress can both suppress some immune defenses and dysregulate immune activity, which may worsen autoimmune conditions.

- About ACEs: you summarized the categories and outcomes well. It’s important to emphasize that ACEs change how the stress-response system develops, increasing risk for physical and mental health problems — but interventions can help. Practical strategies include therapy (trauma-informed approaches such as CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR when appropriate), building stable supportive relationships, regular exercise, sleep hygiene, balanced diet, mindfulness/relaxation and breathing techniques, and consistent medical follow-up for chronic conditions. Parenting programs and community supports also reduce risk for the next generation.

Thanks again for sharing — your openness about personal experience adds a lot to the conversation and illustrates these mechanisms clearly. If you’d like, I can share a short list of calming breathing exercises or evidence-based resources for trauma-informed therapy.