Episode Details
Back to EpisodesCortisol is Killing Your Fertility.
Description
Cortisol, often dubbed the "stress hormone," can significantly hinder fertility in both men and women by disrupting hormonal balance and reproductive processes. In women, elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, delayed or absent ovulation, and reduced chances of successful implantation during fertility treatments like IVF, as higher cortisol has been linked to lower pregnancy rates. For men, excessive cortisol interferes with testosterone production, resulting in decreased sperm count, motility, and quality, while also promoting oxidative stress that damages sperm DNA and overall reproductive health. Overall, studies show that infertile individuals often exhibit higher cortisol compared to fertile ones, underscoring the importance of stress management for optimizing fertility outcomes.
If this insight resonates with you and helps you, please consider supporting our podcast—perhaps by sharing an episode with a friend or leaving a kind review. Your encouragement means the world and keeps the conversation going!