You may have seen these effects in your menstrual cycle, such as your period being late under extended periods of high levels of stress. When under extreme stress, the fight or flight response is triggered, and any system that isn’t necessary for survival begins to shut down, including your reproductive system. Women under nonstop stress may ovulate less regularly, making it more difficult to pinpoint their fertile window and know the best time to “baby dance” for successful conception.
What are the long-term effects of stress on your fertility?
When your brain experiences high levels of stress for an extended period, it begins to send signals to the hypothalamus, which links the nervous system with the endocrine (hormone) system and regulates the pituitary gland. Together, the hypothalamus and the pituitary manage the hormones involved in ovulation, such as the LH hormone measured in ovulation tests. Stress hormones such as cortisol disrupt signaling between the brain and the ovaries, which can then affect ovulation.
Studies have even indicated that stress may impact aspects of fertility beyond ovulation, including issues with fertilization and implantation in the uterus. A study published in the journal of Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology states “Both in general and infertile population, distress was respectively associated with decreased conception rates and long menstrual cycles (≥35 days) and lower outcomes of reproductive medicine, including oocytes retrieved, fertilization, pregnancy and live birth rates. In addition, in infertile women “chronic” lifetime psychosocial stressors were also identified as detriments to ovarian reserve.”
What can you do?
Practice breathing and stretching
Try taking a series of three deep, smooth breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. To stretch your neck muscles, allow your head to rise with each inhale and drop your chin to your chest with each exhale.
Go somewhere special
Close your eyes and visualize somewhere you felt at peace — a beach, a forest or a mountain trail. Mentally linger there, look around, smell the fresh scents and relax.
Get informed
Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about pregnancy —get familiar with the different types of hormones and tools available to you. By understanding the causes of infertility and the natural conception options available, you will be able to make better decisions and feel more in charge.
Find support
Educate your family and friends about what you are experiencing so that they understand what you are going through. Join a support group or a program that provides an opportunity to meet others who are going through a similar experience.
We at Premom understand that fertility goes beyond tracking. We support your journey toward a healthy pregnancy — mentally, emotionally, and physically.
References
- Palomba S, Daolio J, Romeo S, Battaglia FA, Marci R, La Sala GB. Lifestyle and fertility: the influence of stress and quality of life on female fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018 Dec 2;16(1):113. doi: 10.1186/s12958-018-0434-y. PMID: 30501641; PMCID: PMC6275085.
- Rooney, K. L., & Domar, A. D. (2018). The relationship between stress and infertility. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 20(1), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/klrooney
