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Writer's pictureCristina R. de La Mar, M.S., L.Ac., Doula

HOW STRESS IMPACTS YOUR FERTILITY: EASTERN / WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Updated: Mar 23, 2022

Moderating stress is key to optimal fertility - Here's just one snapshot of why:

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective "stress" causes disruptions to the acupuncture meridians of the body. Too much Yang energy (i.e. activity, overwork, stress, over exercising) can deplete the balance of Yin (i.e. restorative, hydrating, nourishing) energies in the body.

Stagnant Qi and Blood can cause menstrual disruptions and hormones fluctuations that impact the blood flow throughout the body, and within the reproductive organs.

Stress also impacts sleep (Yin), which can imbalance the body's Yin meridians (Spleen, Kidney, Heart, Liver) - all of which are key for optimal male and female fertility.

From a Western Medical perspective, the stress hormone "cortisol" blocks the uptake of the reproductive hormone "progesterone."

Progesterone is essential for the luteal (post-ovulation) phase of the reproductive cycle and essential for sustaining pregnancy during the first trimester. Cortisol and progesterone are structurally very similar, so they compete for the same hormone receptors.

However, our bodies will generally prioritize the demands of stress over everything else as stress hormones are inextricably linked with our body's "survival instincts." Survival outweighs everything! So, stress hormones (Cortisol) will dominate over fertility hormones when the body / mind experiences chronic or high stress.


As a consequence - excess stress hormones (Cortisol) can literally deplete the body of sufficient Progesterone, often resulting in fertility issues.

A FEW SUGGESTIONS:


1. Prioritize Sleep - This helps regulate your stress hormones and rebalance fertility cycle hormones.


2. Exercise - Walk, bike, stroll with the dog, run, hike, skate or do a little yoga. Exercise reduces stress hormone levels, increases the happy hormones (i.e. endorphins).


3. Daily Stress Management Techniques - Meditate, read, take a hot bath, get a massage, stretch, listen to music, take "YOU TIME" every day.


4. Try Acupuncture / Traditional Chinese Medicine - An excellent means of addressing stress, improving overall pregnancy readiness, and enhance overall health.

Cristina R. de La Mar, L.Ac., M.Ac., Doula

(917) 210-1063

Cristina R. de La Mar, L.Ac., M.Ac., Doula


Seven Point Wellness is a full service Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Clinic located at 187 Millburn Ave., Suite #101 in Millburn, NJ, in the Trader Joe / CVS Business Complex.


We are an easy drive from Maplewood, South Orange, Short Hills, Livingston and most cities in Union, Morris and Essex County, NJ.


There is abundant free parking directly in front of the clinic, and we are an easy 8 minute walk from the New Jersey Transit via bus or train.




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