High levels of stress may reduce a woman's chances of getting pregnant, according to research conducted at Ohio State University. The study, published in the journal Human Reproduction, followed 401 healthy couples trying to conceive from 2005-2009.
The results showed that those couples who had the most difficulty in conception were those reporting the highest levels of stress.
"Women with higher levels of the stress biomarker had a two-fold increased risk of infertility," said study author Courtney Lynch.
"Alpha-amylase is an enzyme that is secreted into the mouth that helps the body start to digest carbohydrates," she added. "It is also linked to the fight-or-flight part of the stress system."
The team found that women with the highest levels of salivary alpha-amylase had a 29% reduction in their ability to conceive.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.