Most of us know what it feels like to be stressed - tight shoulders, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping. But what many people don't realise is that stress doesn't just affect your mood. It can also impact your hormones and, over time, your fertility.

When you're under ongoing stress, your body produces more of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is helpful in short bursts - it's part of your body's natural "fight or flight" response. But when it stays high for too long, it can interfere with the delicate hormonal signals that support ovulation, menstruation, and sperm production.

For women, high cortisol levels can disrupt ovulation, make cycles irregular, or even stop periods altogether. It can also affect the quality of the uterine lining, making it harder for an embryo to implant. For men, chronic stress can lower testosterone and reduce sperm quality and count.

Stress can also make existing fertility challenges - like PCOS, endometriosis, or premature ovarian aging - harder to manage. And unfortunately, going through fertility treatment itself can be a major source of stress, creating a difficult cycle.

So, What Can You Do?

Managing stress doesn't mean pretending everything's fine. It's about finding small, manageable ways to support your mind and body during what can be a very emotional time.

Some simple strategies that can make a difference:

• Take time to slow down - even 10 minutes of deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching can lower cortisol levels.
• Move your body in a way that feels good - a walk, a swim, or even dancing in your kitchen can help.
• Prioritise sleep - aim for 7-9 hours a night to give your body time to reset.
• Talk to someone - whether it's a counsellor, fertility coach, or trusted friend, having support matters.
• Eat in a way that nourishes you - balanced meals can help regulate hormones and energy.

At Demeter Regeneration, we see you. We know how overwhelming it can feel to navigate fertility challenges while trying to stay calm and hopeful. If stress is taking a toll, you're not alone. We're here to support you with care that looks at the full picture of your health.