Studies have shown that women who experience high levels of stress have a lower chance becoming pregnant. Although there is an association between stress and fertility, it isn't clear whether stress causes infertility, or whether difficulty in conceiving causes stress. However, it is certainly true that couples who are investigating fertility or are undergoing IVF, experience very high levels of stress and anxiety, often for long periods of time. 

Chronic stress can cause cortisol levels in the body to rise which affects immune function, metabolism and blood sugar control. Although there is no known link between cortisol and fertility, it can be useful to monitor cortisol levels during the day as a measure of how much stress you are experiencing. This cortisol saliva test can help you to pinpoint times during the day when you may be experiencing more stress than is healthy so that you can take steps to manage it. High stress can affect many aspects of your health that can influence fertility including sleep routine, overeating, alcohol consumption and smoking. Identifying triggers during the day can help you manage peaks in stress through yoga, meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or gentle exercise. 

This test establishes the levels of cortisol in the saliva at 6 different points in the day. Samples are taken after waking, 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and before going to sleep. Cortisol levels should be highest just after waking in the morning and lowest at bedtime.

Adrenal Hormones