The Cortisol Steal - Understanding the Connection Between Stress and Hormone Imbalance

Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can have a significant impact on overall health, including reproductive health. One way that chronic stress can impact fertility is through a phenomenon known as the cortisol steal.

What is the cortisol steal?

Cortisol is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It plays a crucial role in the body's stress response and helps regulate blood sugar levels, immune function, and metabolism. However, when cortisol levels remain elevated over an extended period, it can lead to a phenomenon known as the cortisol steal.

The cortisol steal occurs when the body prioritises the production of cortisol over other hormones, including sex hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. This shift in hormone production can impact reproductive health and lead to issues such as irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation, and infertility.

How does the cortisol steal impact fertility?

The cortisol steal can impact fertility in several ways. Here are a few examples:

1. Disrupts the menstrual cycle: Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones involved in the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular cycles, anovulation, or a lack of ovulation.

2. Reduces libido: Chronic stress can reduce libido, making it more challenging to conceive.

3. Impairs implantation: Cortisol can impact the uterine lining, making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.

4. Impairs sperm production: Stress can also impact sperm production and quality, making it more difficult to conceive.

What can you do to reduce the cortisol steal and improve fertility?

Reducing stress and supporting overall health can help reduce the impact of the cortisol steal on reproductive health. Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Practice stress-reducing activities: Incorporating stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or mindfulness can help reduce cortisol levels and support reproductive health.

2. Get enough sleep: Sleep plays a crucial role in overall health, including reproductive health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to support healthy hormone production.

3. Eat a nutrient-dense diet: A diet rich in nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health and reduce the impact of stress on the body.

4. Consider herbal remedies: Certain herbs such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, and maca can help reduce cortisol levels and support reproductive health.

The cortisol steal is a real phenomenon that can impact reproductive health and fertility. Reducing stress and supporting overall health can help reduce the impact of the cortisol steal and promote optimal reproductive health. If you're experiencing fertility issues or have concerns about your reproductive health, it's always a good idea to discuss them with a qualified practitioner.

If you find stress and burnout to be particularly difficult to overcome, I recommend you seek professional help alongside naturopathy. Jill Hely, a psychologist who supports women to discover ways of creating peace & joy in daily life talks about the other weird ways stress impacts the body in this article. Jill is a practitioner who really supports women through a number of different ways, all of which are centred around a gentle and compassionate approach. As a naturopath who is focused on holistic health, this is something that really resonates with me. You can check her out here if you are in need of help.

If you would like to learn more about taking charge with your fertility and optimising your health, I am launching a new holistic preconception program that will take you from feeling stressed and overwhelmed on your fertility journey to calm and healthy in both your mind and body so you can enjoy the process of trying for a baby. It does this by following a holistic 6 week preconception program that blends fertility yoga and meditation practices with evidence based naturopathic principles, giving you the tools and knowledge to move through your fertility journey in a more holistic and peaceful way.  If you would like to learn more, click HERE. 

And if you feel like you need one on one care, you can also book an initial naturopathic consultation so we can go a little deeper. We can order any tests we need and really see what’s going on for you.