Somethimes the news tells us things we thought were obvious. But it does mean that scientific research is proving that the success we have been having is not just coincidence. After reading an article in a newspaper Anna Hill decided to write this blog:
An article in the Daily Mail yesterday (Thursday 12 August, 2010) reports the results of a recent study at Oxford University and the US National Institutes of Health indicating that high stress levels can reduce the fertility of a woman. There are many anecdotal reports of couples using complementary medicine successfully to help with fertility problems, and the researchers claim this may be one of the mechanisms by which the complementary therapies may help.
We know that stress can lead women to miss a period, so it is not surprising that it can also affect our fertility. Stress has also been shown to affect sperm quality. Symptoms of stress in the body are due to stress hormones in the blood stream, these hormones are controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, which also affects a number of sex hormones. Some people suggest that it is because of this that high levels of stress hormones can affect the production of sex hormones, and therefore fertility.
When stressed we are also more likely to have an unhealthy lifestyle (exercising less, eating a poor diet or smoking) and find it difficult to get a decent night’s sleep. These factors will compound any difficulties a couple are having.
We have experienced that couples can find complementary therapies may reduce stress through a number of ways:
- Making the decision to help yourself and visit a therapist gives the individual (or couple) some control back. This is very important when it feels as if the medical profession has taken over your fertility.
- By acting on advise about changes in lifestyle and diet the effects of stressors in your life can be reduced. Foods high in B-vitamins, such as wholegrains, may help to reduce the effects of stress, and fresh fruit and vegetables are high in anti-oxidants, helping to protect the body from damage during stressful times.
- Stress can be due to a physical health problem. Sometimes treating the underlying health issue, even if it is unrelated to a hormonal problem, can help with fertility problems by reducing the stress on the body.
- Therapies can also be used for relaxation. Herbalists may use adaptogenic herbs, acupunturists will use needles, aromatherapists will use essential oils and reflexologists and massage therapists use their hands, but all towards the same goal: reduced stress, increased relaxation and, hopefully, health and happiness.