How The Nervous System Plays A Role In Fertility
More and more research has shown how important neurological health is during the preconception journey (for both partners).
A nervous system stuck in sympathetic overdrive can significantly affect preconception and fertility. The sympathetic nervous system, often associated with the "fight or flight" response, plays a crucial role in regulating stress and maintaining balance in the body. However, when this system is constantly activated due to chronic stress or other factors, it can have several adverse effects on fertility and preconception health.
Hormonal Imbalance: Prolonged stress can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation problems in women. In men, stress may affect testosterone levels and sperm production.
Altered Menstrual Patterns: Stress can cause changes in menstrual cycle regularity, leading to unpredictable periods, which can make timing conception attempts more challenging.
Immune Function: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, potentially increasing the risk of infections or conditions that could affect fertility and prepregnancy goals.
Inflammation: A persistently activated sympathetic nervous system can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, which may interfere with fertility.
Cortisol Production: Elevated stress can lead to the overproduction of cortisol, which can negatively impact the entire endocrine system, including the reproductive system.
So how can you measure the impact of sympathetic stress on preconception and fertility?
The easiest and most effective test is shown to be Heart Rate Variability (HRV). This test takes 3 minutes and shows the overall adaptability and efficiency of the body’s ability to handle stress.
This technology is called HRV, which stands for Heart Rate Variability, and it is an essential exam for you and your partner to take during your pre-pregnancy and fertility journey because it provides valuable insights into the health and function of your autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and overall health.
The ANS controls and regulates every vital function in the body, including heart rate, respiratory rate, digestion, hormones, reproductive organs, thyroid function, and more.
HRV is a measure of the variation in time between consecutive heartbeats. A higher HRV indicates a more flexible and adaptable nervous system, which is associated with better overall health and resilience to stress. This also means reduced stress, better sleep quality, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced immune function. Additionally, maintaining a balanced ANS is essential for hormonal balance, regulated menstrual cycles, sperm count, and egg regeneration.
On the other hand, a lower HRV suggests an imbalanced or stressed ANS, which can lead to various health issues, commonly leading to preconception and fertility challenges. If stress and cortisol levels are too high in either partner, conception will not occur.
Neurologically-focused prenatal chiropractic care’s goal is to balance both sides of the nervous system. This will teach the body when fight or flight is needed and when it’s safe to rest and relax. With a balanced nervous system, the above challenges will likely disappear. A baby can only be made when the body is in a parasympathetic state (higher HRV), which is why this balance is crucial.
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