During illness and trauma, which combination of hormones is increased?

• A. Insulin, epinephrine, estrogen and somatostatin
• B. Cortisol, epinephrine, growth hormone and glucagon
• C. Glucagon, gastrin, insulin-like growth factor and renin
• D. Leptin, cortisol, growth hormone and cholecystokinin

Answer: (B)

In the stress response to illness or injury, the body ramps up several hormones that oppose insulin to ensure energy and substrates are available for repair and defense. Cortisol, epinephrine, growth hormone, and glucagon rise to promote glucose production and mobilize fats and amino acids. Cortisol drives gluconeogenesis and protein breakdown; epinephrine accelerates glycogenolysis and lipolysis for rapid energy; growth hormone supports energy mobilization and, together with cortisol, can raise blood glucose; glucagon stimulates hepatic glucose output. This coordinated increase creates a catabolic state that fuels healing and keeps glucose and other substrates available for tissues in need. Other hormones listed are not part of the typical acute-stress surge—they may be stable or downregulated in this context—so the combination of cortisol, epinephrine, growth hormone, and glucagon best reflects the hormonal response to illness and trauma.