New study challenges link between cortisol and infertility

A new review published in the Journal of Experimental Biology suggests that the widely held belief that the stress hormone cortisol causes infertility may be incorrect. While social media often portrays cortisol spikes as universally harmful to reproduction, the study provides evidence that the hormone may actually promote healthy reproduction.

Researchers noted that much of the existing research on cortisol’s impact on reproduction relied on injections of synthetic cortisol. Because the human body does not always metabolize synthetic hormones in the same way as naturally occurring ones, previous conclusions regarding its negative effects on fertility may be flawed. The study emphasizes that cortisol is a critical hormone necessary for regulating metabolism, immune function, and circadian rhythms, and that its impact is largely determined by its specific pattern of release.