THE IMPACT OF STRESS ON THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Chronic psychological stress represents a significant threat to female reproductive health through disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and alteration of neuroendocrine signaling pathways. This investigation examines the mechanisms by which stress-induced cortisol elevation interferes with gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulsatility, leading to anovulation, menstrual irregularities, and impaired fertility outcomes. Analysis of clinical and experimental data demonstrates that sustained activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis creates hormonal imbalances that compromise ovarian function and reduce conception probability by approximately 30 percent in women experiencing chronic stress.