What is the common name for the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine?

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are commonly known as the "fight or flight hormones" because they play crucial roles in the body's response to stress and emergency situations. When the body perceives a threat or is in a stressful situation, the adrenal glands release these hormones into the bloodstream. This release triggers physiological changes that prepare the body to either confront the threat (fight) or flee from it (flight). These changes include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and enhanced energy availability, all designed to optimize physical performance during high-stress scenarios.

The other terms associated with the hormones do not accurately reflect their primary functions. For example, stress hormones could describe a broader category of hormones involved in stress responses, but it does not capture the specific role that epinephrine and norepinephrine play. Sex hormones refer to hormones related to reproductive functions, and growth hormones are involved in growth and development—not in immediate stress responses. Therefore, "fight or flight hormones" is the most precise and widely accepted common name for epinephrine and norepinephrine in the context of their action during stress responses.