Stress Not Healthly For Fertility

New research shows more evidence that stress can be damaging to fertility. Scientists have long known that increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol can inhibit the production of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH stimulates the synthesis and secretion of the gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Hence this single hormone controls a set of very complex processes.

The study showed that during stress the levels of a hormone called gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) are increased and can directly inhibit GnRH. The study was performed on rats but the researchers believe it may also apply to all mammals. "We know stress affects the top-tier reproductive hormone, GnRH, but we show, in fact, that stress also affects another high-level hormone, GnIH, to cause reproductive dysfunction," said lead author Elizabeth Kirby.