Are Stress And Infertility Co-related?

Can the psychological effects of stress contribute to the success of getting pregnant? It is an ongoing question that researchers and doctors are trying to solve based on the latest medical evidence. It is predicted that stress factors control 30% of infertility situations. Stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine will arise while trying to affect one’s fertility negatively. Stress and infertility are related because, due to stress, the female body produces an excessive amount of luteinizing hormone. This hormone is liable for ovulation and prevents ovulation when it is excessively produced. 

The higher stress level will grow the longer if you face struggles to conceive. Stress has the potential to wreak – havoc on your health and even deplete the supply of minerals and vitamins in the body. So, how will you manage stress and infertility simultaneously as other concerns? In this blog, we discover how stress and infertility are related. 

Is Stress Causing Infertility Issues?

If you have been trying to have a baby or have been diagnosed with infertility for a long time, it causes or adds to the existing reasons for the stress. It especially applies to women because they endure monthly stress while trying to conceive. However, each person will react differently to stressful situations. In some individuals, stress will impact the brain section, which regulates reproductive functions. For example, the brain's hypothalamus gland regulates the hormone responsible for timely egg release from the ovary. It is a similar gland that maintains the testosterone hormone level in men. 

So, if you are going through any physical or mental stress, it will hinder ovulation. It means you will either ovulate later than expected or not ovulate completely. The changes in ovulation are called stress–induced an ovulation. But the good thing is that due to ovulation, if you are experiencing delayed ovulation, then it can’t cause permanent infertility. 

Few Things Happen to the Body When You Are Stressed

While it doesn’t show stress creates an impact on the body and even affects the overall well–being. Some of the impacts are:

1. Ovulation :- If you are facing difficulty getting pregnant, it happens due to late ovulation. The increased level of cortisol will delay or prevent ovulation. 
2. Vitamins and Minerals :- Due to excessive stress, the body faces a deficiency in vitamins and minerals. However, the most susceptible is magnesium, vitamin B, and fatty acids like Omega–3. 
3. Blood Sugar :- The stress will disrupt the blood sugar and increase your cortisol level, and due to that, it disrupts ovulation and periods. It will naturally occur in what you eat and your intake of supplements. When the blood sugar is under control, you will automatically feel an improvement in your PMS symptoms like bloating, acne, delayed periods, and heavy flows. 
4. Progesterone :- Stress can lower progesterone because your body steals it to produce more cortisol to deal with the stress. Low progesterone can cause many nasty side effects, such as headaches, migraines, and mood changes (anxiety, depression, etc.).
5. Late Again :- Stress can cause you to miss your period. You may be waiting for a pregnancy and believe that being late is a sign of this. Stress can alter the timing of your period or even stop it altogether. Stress can change your period's consistency, color, or duration. This change can cause cramping.

Conclusion

Stress can cause or not cause infertility. Your symptoms will determine whether stress is a factor in your infertility. Stress can cause infertility if you are not able to ovulate. It may be stressful if you have normal cycles but can't find a reason for your infertility. However, studies show this will only make it harder to get pregnant. Sehgal Nursing Home can help you manage stress and infertility. Our doctors can help you make significant changes to your life.