New research from the University of California at Berkeley is helping to uncover the multi-level mechanism by which stress interferes with people’s reproductive system and sexual function.

Previous studies demonstrated that stress hormones such as cortisol inhibit the body’s main sex hormone GnRH and suppresses sperm count, ovulation and sexual activity.

The Berkeley team has discovered stress also increases levels of a reproductive hormone named gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone, or GnIH. This hormone inhibits reproduction by directly counteracting GnRH.

Both GnRH and its suppressor are affected by glucocorticoid stress hormones like cortisol.

“This work provides a new target for researchers, a new way to think about infertility and dysfunction,” says lead author Elizabeth Kirby, a graduate student at UC Berkeley’s Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute.

“The more we know, the more we can look for ways to treat it,” she adds.

Those who are suffering from high levels of stress may turn to alternative medicine therapies such as meditation, massage or acupuncture to relieve their symptoms.

In addition to that, nutritional supplements containing chamomile, valerian and passionflower extract have also been recommended for those suffering from stress and anxiety.