In a nutshell
This study investigated if stress levels in women are associated with time-to-pregnancy (TTP). They found that patients with higher stress levels had a longer TTP.
Some background
Infertility is an increasingly common condition. The cause of infertility is not always clear. Some studies suggest that stress may play a role in infertility. Stress reactions involve a number of hormones. One of these is called cortisol. The hormone system involved in stress is called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA). Another stress system is the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system (SAM). This involves hormones such as epinephrine or norepinephrine. When these hormones rise in the blood, there is also an increase in alpha-amylase (AA) in the saliva. Higher stress levels translate into higher levels of cortisol and AA in the saliva.
The reproductive system is also regulated by hormones. Stress is known to affect the menstrual cycle. This suggests that stress might also affect fertility. Several studies support this. Women treated with behavioral or psychotherapy may have higher pregnancy rates. Women taking anti-depressants may also have a higher pregnancy rate. The effect of stress on the time-to-pregnancy (TTP) is unclear.
Methods & findings
This study included 401 women attempting to conceive. Saliva samples were taken before conception. Stress biomarkers (SBs) were measured in the saliva. These included cortisol and AA. The TTP was recorded.
87% of patients became pregnant during the study. Women with the highest levels AA had a 29% longer TTP. There was no link between cortisol levels and TTP. The risk of infertility was 2.07 times greater in women with the highest AA levels. Cortisol levels were not associated with infertility risk.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that patients with higher stress levels had longer TTP.
The fine print
Saliva was only collected on one occasion. It is unclear if SB levels changed over time. Patients did not complete stress questionnaires. More investigation is needed.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding infertility please consult with your doctor.
Published By :
Human Reproduction
Date :
May 01, 2014
