lowering stress improves fertility

Emory University recently presented the results of a study indicating that higher stress levels lower fertility by interfering with the menstrual cycle. The good news is that 80% of women who had not had their period for at least 6 months who underwent psychotherapy began ovulating again. Two women in the study became pregnant within 2 months of the therapy sessions. The women initially had high cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can be reduced by a number of stress-reduction techniques include deep breathing, meditation, and qigong, for example.