How stress can have a negative impact in reproduction and how acupuncture can lower stress

Scientist know that stress boosts levels of stress hormones-glucocorticoids such as cortisol which in turn inhibits the release of the main sex hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which in turn will lower sperm count, have a negative impact on ovulation and sexual activity. New research also shows that stress also increases brain levels of a reproductive hormone named gonadotropin inhibitory hormone, or GnIH. This is a small protein hormone a so called RFamide-related peptide (RFRP) inhibits the production and release of GnRH, therefore inhibiting reproduction. Therefore, stress can have a negative impact in reproduction in two ways, and at times the negative impact can have a double negative effect on reproduction ( Sanders et al; 2009) Many studies have shown that acupuncture can lower stress. In a study it was shown that patients who received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer had experienced lower stress level and higher pregnancy rate (64.7%) compare to group who did not receive acupuncture (42.5%) (Balk et al; 2010). Also in clinical settings many patients report a relaxed state after acupuncture treatments. Although the research on effects of acupuncture on cortisol level have been inconclusive, Eshkevarai et al (2012) has shown that Electro acupuncture can suppress the sympathetic peptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY), has been shown to be elevated in chronic stress and is hypothesized to contribute to the physiological stress response. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for stress related disorders such as anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, headaches and infertility. At Acuwellness center we will provide acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to lower stress level and improve stress related disorders. References: 1. Balk. J, Catov. J, Horn. B, Gecsi. K, Wakim. A, (2010). The relationship between perceived stress, acupuncture, and pregnancy rates among IVF patients: A pilot study. Complementary therapies in cynical practice. 16(3): 154-157 2. Eshkevari. L, Egan, R. Acupuncture at ST36 prevents chronic stress-induced Increases in neuropeptide Y in rat. (2012). Experimental biology and medicine. 237:18-23 3. Sanders, R. (2009). Stress puts double whammy on reproductive system, fertility. University of California-Berkeley.