Which of the following hormones are commonly referred to as stress hormones due to their role in the body's response to stress?

• A. Oxytocin, prolactin, and vasopressin
• B. Serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin
• C. Insulin, glucagon, and thyroxine
• D. Cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of stress hormones. These are hormones released by the body in response to stress, helping to prepare the body to handle stressful situations through physiological changes.
2. Step 2: Identify the hormones listed in each option and their primary functions. For example, oxytocin, prolactin, and vasopressin are involved in social bonding, lactation, and water balance, respectively, rather than stress response.
3. Step 3: Recognize that serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin primarily regulate mood, reward, and sleep cycles, not the acute stress response.
4. Step 4: Note that insulin, glucagon, and thyroxine regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels, which are important but not directly categorized as stress hormones.
5. Step 5: Confirm that cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) are the hormones released by the adrenal glands during stress, triggering the 'fight or flight' response, making them the correct stress hormones.