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Background:

Stress has been shown to suppress ovulation in experimental models, but its effect on human reproduction at the population level is unclear.

Methods:

Healthy women (n= 259), aged 18–44 years from Western New York, were followed for 2 menstrual cycles (2005–2007). Women completed daily perceived stress assessments, a 4-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) up to 4 times each cycle, and a 14-item PSS at baseline. Mixed model analyses were used to assess effects of stress on log reproductive hormone concentrations and sporadic anovulation.

Results:

High versus low daily stress was associated with lower estradiol (− 9.5%[95% confidence interval (CI)=− 15.6% to− 3.0%]), free estradiol (− 10.4%[− 16.5% to− 3.9%]), and luteinizing hormone (− 14.8%[− 21.3% to− 7.7%]) and higher follicle-stimulating hormone (6.2%[95% CI= 2.0% to 10.5%]) after adjusting for age, race, percent body fat …