Causes & Treatment
Can high cortisol affect fertility? Here’s what the latest research says
Emma Harpham, Editor | 26 Jul 2024
There’s been a surge in interest in cortisol – aka. the “stress hormone” – in recent years, with swathes of content dedicated to ‘lowering your cortisol’ popping up across social media.
Cortisol isn’t inherently bad. It is essential to keep us healthy, and safe in high-stress situations. However, research shows that imbalances in cortisol levels could have adverse effects – some of which can impact fertility.
So today, we’re gathering some expert insight on cortisol and fertility, looking at the latest science, and answering the question – can high cortisol affect fertility?
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. When cortisol is released, it binds to glucocorticoid receptors which are found in almost all of the tissue in our bodies, meaning it plays a crucial role in so many of our bodily functions. This includes regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation, and controlling our sleep-wake cycle.
When we’re in really high-stress, life-or-death situations, cortisol is our ‘get up and go’ hormone, giving us the concentrated bursts of energy we need to get us through and keep ourselves safe.
But whilst cortisol is an essential hormone that’s super key for our overall health and survival, we need to make sure our levels are balanced. Whilst low cortisol levels can present their own problems, studies say that prolonged high cortisol levels could lead to health issues, including those affecting fertility.
The cortisol fertility connection
The relationship between cortisol and fertility is complex, and the body of research isn’t huge. But cortisol is thought to impact our reproductive health predominantly by interacting with our body’s hormonal balance.
High stress and elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the levels we need for optimal fertility. This disruption can affect both women and men, leading to difficulties in conceiving.
Scientists reckon that this is the body’s way of shielding you from another challenging situation – pregnancy.
Can high cortisol cause infertility?
Cortisol itself is not an outright cause of infertility, but high levels could contribute to conditions that make it harder to conceive.
For example, chronic stress can lead to irregular menstrual cycles or even halt ovulation in women. In men, prolonged stress and high cortisol levels can affect sperm health.
And, overall, research does show that couples experiencing high levels of stress take longer to conceive, compared to those with lower stress levels.
On another note, sex when trying to conceive can sometimes present challenges when it comes to emotional connection and desire. Stress is also likely to dampen libido, which can mean we often end up with fewer opportunities for intimacy as a result.
Here’s some more detail on how high cortisol has the potential to impact women and men respectively.
How does cortisol affect female hormones?
For women, the interplay between cortisol and reproductive hormones is thought to be pretty significant.
Let’s put our science hats on for a sec. Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are vital for ovulation and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
High cortisol can also influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a complex system that controls reactions to stress and regulates many body processes, including digestion, the immune system, mood and emotions, and energy storage and expenditure.
Disruption in the HPA axis can lead to delayed egg maturation and ovulation, no ovulation at all, and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), all of which can impact female fertility.
Shout out to Dr Matt, aka The Fertility Doctor, for this neat breakdown.
What about cortisol and male fertility?
Guys are not immune to the effects of high cortisol on fertility, either.
Stress and elevated cortisol levels can impact testosterone production, leading to reduced sperm production and quality.
Studies indicate that high cortisol can result in lower sperm motility and morphology, too.
Stress can also contribute to unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking. Read up on some of the ways to improve sperm quality, for more on boosting sperm quality through easy lifestyle tweaks.
@thefertilitydoctor Let’s talk about stress- does it affect your fertility and why? Cortisol plays a huge role in your fertility health 👀 #cortisol #stress #stressandfertility #hormonehealth ♬ Stolen Dance (Instrumental) – Milky Chance
How do we know if our cortisol levels are too high?
Identifying imbalanced cortisol levels involves recognizing symptoms and asking for the right medical tests.
Symptoms of high cortisol include:
- weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
- high blood pressure
- mood swings
- fatigue
- irregular menstrual cycles in women
If you suspect your cortisol levels are off, check in with your healthcare provider. They may recommend blood, urine, or saliva tests to measure your cortisol levels at different times of the day.
Monitoring these levels helps in understanding your body’s cortisol rhythm and identifying any imbalances that could be affecting your fertility.
The bottom line on cortisol and fertility
More research is needed, but high cortisol levels, so often a byproduct of long-term stress, can affect fertility in both women and men.
The good news? There’s so much we can do to mitigate these effects by managing our stress through lifestyle changes, and seeking medical advice when necessary.
We love a checklist here at TRB. Here’s our simple wrap-up of some of the most effective strategies for reducing stress and balancing cortisol levels.
- engaging in regular physical activity – don’t go too hard though, as pushing your body can increase your production of cortisol and stress hormones
- practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques – we’ve got a whole series on calming fertility yoga, if you’d like to start there
- maintaining a balanced diet – whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and polyunsaturated fats are the nutrients to prioritize here
- ensuring adequate sleep – having a well-structured night routine, and limiting your caffeine intake can both help with this
If you’re trying to conceive and are concerned about the impact of stress and cortisol on your fertility, addressing these concerns proactively is key. As always, do consult with your healthcare provider to tailor a plan that suits your specific needs and family-building goals.
Understanding the role of stress in fertility is empowering, and can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Next on your reading list: How to relax during IVF – a doctor’s guide
