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Clinically reviewed by Archana Ayyar, MD

Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps our bodies regulate themselves, but its direct effect on fertility is unclear. When experiencing acute or chronic stress, the body goes into survival mode, which sometimes means effects on other bodily systems like the menstrual cycle. Stress and fertility are complex, and unfortunately largely out of our control. But taking steps to help reduce stress is always good for fertility.

What You Need to Know About Cortisol and Fertility

Cortisol is a hormone the body produces to help regulate your biological stress response. Your body produces cortisol during periods of acute stress and chronic stress. The science is mixed on whether cortisol production can directly impact fertility or treatment outcomes.

Fertility and stress often have a bidirectional relationship, where fertility struggles can contribute to higher stress levels, and lower stress levels may be linked to better fertility treatment outcomes. The body has a “fight or flight” response that can activate during moments of extreme or chronic stress. When this response activates and cortisol is high, the body may shut down some of its systems to prioritize survival. This can mean changes to your fertility hormones and menstrual cycle. 

However, research investigating the impact of cortisol levels in particular on fertility and treatment outcomes has yielded mixed findings, with some suggesting both positive and negative effects and others suggesting little or no effect. 

The bottom line: Taking steps to reduce your stress levels is always a good idea, and what’s good for your well-being is good for your fertility.

Why This Matters for Patients

While we know stress levels can be a contributing factor in fertility, we’re still learning exactly how and to what extent. There’s no way to completely eliminate stress or control every aspect of a fertility journey, but this article can help you understand effective ways to reduce stress, so that you can take good care of your heart, body, and mind through this process.

Expert Tips to Reduce Stress Levels

Your fertility care team will share personalized guidance for stress reduction through the treatment process, but here are some common recommendations:

• Acupuncture (ask your physician before drinking teas from your acupuncturist)
• Aerobic exercise (talk to your clinic about exercise during treatment)
• Guided imagery
• Journaling
• Listening to music
• Massage therapy
• Meditation
• Mind-body groups
• Mindfulness 
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Self-help books
• Support or educational groups
• Therapy
• Visualization
• Walking or hiking
• Yoga

One 2024 meta-analysis found that mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques were especially effective at reducing cortisol levels. Talk to your care team if you’d like some ideas for incorporating mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation practices, or any other forms of stress reduction, into your life.

FAQs

What is the relationship between stress and fertility?

Even expert understanding of the relationship between stress and fertility is inconclusive, but there is evidence of a bidirectional relationship. Stress levels may impact fertility, and fertility issues can greatly contribute to stress levels. 

Since neither stress nor fertility are 100% within our control, the best advice is to take steps to reduce stress where you can—and to partner with fertility specialists as you navigate obstacles along your path to parenthood.

Is acupuncture an effective way to reduce stress?

Traditional Chinese Medicine isn’t as highly and rigorously studied as Western medicine, especially in the context of fertility and treatment outcomes, but research shows that acupuncture can be beneficial for reducing stress levels and inflammation. 

If you have questions about fertility-targeted acupuncture and whether or not it could be right for you, consult with your fertility specialist.

How can I reduce my cortisol levels?

One 2024 meta-analysis examined the evidence for different stress-management techniques on cortisol levels. According to the researchers, mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques were the most effective ways to reduce cortisol. These include meditation practices, mindfulness-based stress reduction, muscle relaxation, and breathing exercises.

If you’re beginning or continuing your fertility journey and need some help reducing stress levels, talk to your fertility specialist. They can help you come up with the right plan for you.

Care at Dallas IVF

At Dallas IVF, we understand that fertility treatment can be a stressful process full of uncertainty. We provide holistic care for our patients, which includes supporting your emotional wellness. Whether you’re struggling to adjust your schedule to fit every appointment or feeling generally overwhelmed, you can lean on our team. We’re here to support you through this.

Next Steps for Dallas IVF Patients

Fertility journeys can be overwhelming, but you can count on having our team in your corner through it all. We’re committed to helping you keep stress levels as low as possible, while guiding you through the process with clinical expertise and compassion.

Schedule your consultation today at Dallas IVF.