Enhancing Fertility: a holistic approach – Part 1
With more couples experiencing difficulty conceiving, many are now turning to natural ways to enhance fertility. Incorrect diet and high stress levels are commonly associated with fertility problems. As a result, yoga, meditation, nutrition and counselling are some of the areas couples are turning to in order to bring their bodies back into balance and to increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.
Studies have shown that stress can affect fertility. In fact, IVF clinics often refer patients to anxiety and stress management programmes. This is because stress can greatly inhibit the body’s autonomous nervous system. Among other things, the autonomous system is in charge of the production and release of hormones as well as the maintenance of cycles such as menstruation and ovulation, therefore directly impacting on fertility health. In this way, reproductive and stress hormones have a close relationship with the endocrine system. When the body is constantly experiencing elevated cortisol levels (stress hormones) due to stress, this will have a negative impact on the autonomous nervous system which also governs fertility.
A study conducted by Dr Sarah Berga at Emory University in Atlanta in 2012, illustrates the link between stress and reproductive health. The study focused on women suffering from ovulatory amenorrhea (where ovulation and menstruation are absent). All these women were also found to have elevated cortisol levels. After being placed on a mind-body stress management programme, 87.5% of the women recorded reduced cortisol levels and a regaining of healthy cycles, enhancing their ability to conceive. In this study it was shown that there is a direct correlation between emotional well-being and reproductive health as the release of “happy chemicals” by the hypothalamus such as serotonin and prolactin (a reproductive hormone) are both regulated by the hypothalamus.
Yoga can be a very effective way to reduce stress and to enhance fertility. Yogic postures and breathing exercises increase the flow of blood and nutrients to the pelvic region and reproductive organs. Holding tension in the abdomen through stress and incorrect breathing can cause compression, create disturbances in reproductive organ function and inhibit blood flow. Yogic breath and postures, particularly when tailored towards fertility, can effectively address these issues. At the same time, yoga promotes deep relaxation in the mind-body system.
Please visit us next week for Part 2
Studies have shown that stress can affect fertility. In fact, IVF clinics often refer patients to anxiety and stress management programmes. This is because stress can greatly inhibit the body’s autonomous nervous system. Among other things, the autonomous system is in charge of the production and release of hormones as well as the maintenance of cycles such as menstruation and ovulation, therefore directly impacting on fertility health. In this way, reproductive and stress hormones have a close relationship with the endocrine system. When the body is constantly experiencing elevated cortisol levels (stress hormones) due to stress, this will have a negative impact on the autonomous nervous system which also governs fertility.
A study conducted by Dr Sarah Berga at Emory University in Atlanta in 2012, illustrates the link between stress and reproductive health. The study focused on women suffering from ovulatory amenorrhea (where ovulation and menstruation are absent). All these women were also found to have elevated cortisol levels. After being placed on a mind-body stress management programme, 87.5% of the women recorded reduced cortisol levels and a regaining of healthy cycles, enhancing their ability to conceive. In this study it was shown that there is a direct correlation between emotional well-being and reproductive health as the release of “happy chemicals” by the hypothalamus such as serotonin and prolactin (a reproductive hormone) are both regulated by the hypothalamus.
Yoga can be a very effective way to reduce stress and to enhance fertility. Yogic postures and breathing exercises increase the flow of blood and nutrients to the pelvic region and reproductive organs. Holding tension in the abdomen through stress and incorrect breathing can cause compression, create disturbances in reproductive organ function and inhibit blood flow. Yogic breath and postures, particularly when tailored towards fertility, can effectively address these issues. At the same time, yoga promotes deep relaxation in the mind-body system.
Please visit us next week for Part 2