Hormone that plays a central role in whole body adaptation to stress (By similarity). Released by the hypothalamus primarily in response to physical or psychological stress and acts by binding to CRH receptor CRHR1, and to a lower extent, CRHR2 (PubMed:18801728, PubMed:3003585, PubMed:32004469). CRH-dependent signaling is a primary mediator of the neuroendocrine, autonomic (fight-or-flight) and behavioral responses to stress, acting as a key regulator of adaptation by activating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to corticotropin hormone (ACTH) production (By similarity). Acts as a 'placental clock' during pregnancy, regulating gestational length, fetal development and the timing of labor (PubMed:7585095). Also acts as a regulator of blastocyst implantation by promoting decidualization, regulating trophoblast invasion and facilitating maternal immune tolerance (PubMed:11590404). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q8CIT0, ECO:0000269|PubMed:11590404, ECO:0000269|PubMed:18801728, ECO:0000269|PubMed:3003585, ECO:0000269|PubMed:32004469, ECO:0000269|PubMed:7585095}. This is the function of CRH (corticotropin releasing hormone, ENSG00000147571).