CRH and neuroendocrine disorder: In addition, depression leads to neuroendocrine disorders by activating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and promoting the secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone, which in turn promotes the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone, resulting in increased cortisol levels, abnormal cortisol rhythms, and fluctuating blood glucose (31).