Stress is a natural response of the body to challenging situations, but when it becomes chronic, it can have negative effects on our health. For couples seeking to conceive, stress can impact fertility in a variety of ways, from altering hormone balance to reducing the quality of eggs and sperm.
Stress can affect fertility in both men and women through several mechanisms. One of the primary ways that stress can impact fertility is through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
The HPA axis is a complex system that regulates the body’s response to stress. When we experience stress, the HPA axis is activated, leading to the release of cortisol and other stress hormones. These hormones can disrupt the delicate balance of reproductive hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which are essential for fertility.
In women, chronic stress can disrupt the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Stress can cause changes in the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are responsible for regulating ovulation. This can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation (the absence of ovulation), or luteal phase defects (a shortened second half of the menstrual cycle), all of which can negatively impact fertility.
In men, chronic stress can also affect fertility by reducing sperm quality and quantity. Stress can cause changes in testosterone levels, which are important for sperm production.
Additionally, stress can increase oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage sperm cells.
Stress can also have indirect effects on fertility by influencing lifestyle behaviors. Chronic stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or overeating, all of which can negatively impact fertility.
References:
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Schliep KC, Mumford SL, Vladutiu CJ, Ahrens KA, Perkins NJ, Sjaarda LA, Kissell KA, Prasad A, Wactawski-Wende J, Schisterman EF. Perceived stress, reproductive hormones, and ovulatory function: a prospective cohort study. Epidemiology. 2015 Mar;26(2):177-84. doi: 10.1097/EDE.0000000000000238. PMID: 25643098; PMCID: PMC4315337.
Palomba, S., Daolio, J., Romeo, S. et al. Lifestyle and fertility: the influence of stress and quality of life on female fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 16, 113 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0434-y
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Hussain T, Kandeel M, Metwally E, Murtaza G, Kalhoro DH, Yin Y, Tan B, Chughtai MI, Yaseen A, Afzal A and Kalhoro MS (2023) Unraveling the harmful effect of oxidative stress on male fertility: A mechanistic insight. Front. Endocrinol. 14:1070692. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1070692
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