# Glucocorticoids --- **Glucocorticoids** are a class of [[corticosteroids]], made up primarily of **cortisol** and **corticosterone** that act to increase [[blood glucose]] levels. They are both made in the [[adrenal glands]]. They are considered **glucocorticoids** because they act to increase These are some of our "stress hormones" that the body dumps when it thinks it's going to need to use up some energy (and thus would benefit from some free floating blood glucose). [[Chronic stress]] leads to constant elevated elevated levels of cortisol that have adverse long-term effects. ## Problems With Glucocorticoids - An overproduction of cortisol is [[Cushing syndrome]] - An underproduction of cortisol is [[Addison's disease]] ___