Chronic stress
Stress axis (cortisol)
Evidence level : Probable LifestyleMechanism : Hormonal disruption burden
🟡 Several human studies point the same way, with a plausible biological mechanism, but the evidence is not yet conclusive.
- Where it's found
- Sustained workload, family tension, hypervigilance related to the pregnancy plan.
- Suspected mechanism
- Persistently elevated cortisol dampens the pituitary command of the cycle and can delay or block ovulation.
- Suggested alternative
- A realistic action is better than an ideal program: 20 minutes of walking, or a protected screen-free slot.
- Source
- Studies on stress biomarkers and time to pregnancy.
Map your everyday exposures in about ten minutes.
Take the questionnaireRelated factors
Including a factor does not mean it causes infertility: it is simply worth monitoring, depending on its level of evidence.
Content last updated: September 14, 2026