Reproductive Problems
Stress can affect male and female fertility is rooted in the sex hormones, and our primary stress hormone, cortisol, is entirely composed of cholesterol. All of our steroid hormones are supported by cholesterol. As the body produces cortisol instead of the sex hormones, testosterone levels in men and progesterone levels in women decline in response to stress. Men must have normal testosterone levels to produce an abundance of healthy sperm and ensure optimal fertility. Progesterone levels in women are primarily required for maintaining the uterine lining so that a fertilized egg can implant.
Stress can result in heavier, later, or absent menstrual cycles in women. Hormones are primarily responsible for the effect of stress on the menstrual cycle. The release of cortisol or stress hormones has the ability to suppress the reproductive hormones’ normal levels. This may result in abnormal ovulation, amenorrhea, or anovulation. During the menstrual cycle’s follicular phase, the cortisol level typically rises. Cortisol may not increase during periods, but an increase in cortisol may result in anovulation and longer menstrual cycles. High cortisol levels over an extended period can also cause a lack of libido and irregular periods, which may become less frequent or cease altogether.
