Which hormone levels rise during times of excitement or stress?

Epinephrine is the hormone whose levels rise significantly during times of excitement or stress. It is produced by the adrenal medulla and is often referred to as adrenaline. This hormone plays a critical role in the body's "fight or flight" response, preparing the individual to react to perceived threats. When stress is detected, the body triggers a series of physiological responses, including increased heart rate, improved blood flow to muscles, and enhanced energy availability, which are all mediated by elevated levels of epinephrine.

While cortisol and aldosterone are also stress-related hormones, they have different roles and time courses. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone released from the adrenal cortex, does increase during stress but is more involved in longer-term stress responses and regulates metabolism, immune response, and other functions. Aldosterone primarily regulates sodium and potassium levels and blood pressure but does not have the immediate response associated with excitement or acute stress situations. Renin is involved in blood pressure regulation but does not act directly as a stress hormone. Thus, the rise of epinephrine is the most immediate and relevant response to stress and excitement.