Ok, I'm back and this is what I found, to prove I wasn't just talking out of my ass. Most (almost all) of the links will direct you to wikipedia, not for wikipedia's reputation for accuracy
, only because the information is offered fairly clearly there and it provides a convienient place to quote from.
The short version - stress causes cortisol levels to rise, causing inhibition of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) secretions. CRH stimulates the release of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is resposible for stimiluating the production of sex hormones, including Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), one of many precursors to estradiol, which is resposible via gonadatropin-releasing hormone(GNRH) for the stimulation and release of FSH and LH, two hormones absolutely essential for successful reproduction.
The longer version
Cortisol
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Originally Posted by wikipedia
...is a vital hormone that is often referred to as the "stress hormone" as it is involved in the response to stress
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It inhibits the secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), resulting in feedback inhibition of ACTH secretion.
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from the
ACTH
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Originally Posted by wikipedia
ACTH acts through the stimulation of cell surface ACTH receptors, which are primarily located on the adrenocortical cells. ACTH stimulates the cortex of the adrenal gland and boosts the synthesis of corticosteroids, mainly glucocorticoids but also sex steroids (androgens).
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From the
androgens page.
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Originally Posted by wikipedia
A subset of androgens, adrenal androgens, includes any of the 19-carbon steroids synthesized by the adrenal cortex, the outer portion of the adrenal gland (zonula reticularis - innermost region of the adrenal cortex), that function as weak steroids or steroid precursors, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and androstenedione.
Besides testosterone, other androgens include:
* Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex from cholesterol. It is the primary precursor of natural estrogens. DHEA is also called dehydroisoandrosterone or dehydroandrosterone.
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DHEA
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Originally Posted by wikipedia
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), is a natural steroid prohormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, the gonads, adipose tissue, brain and in the skin (by an autocrine mechanism). DHEA is the precursor of androstenedione, which can undergo further conversion to produce the androgen testosterone and the estrogens estrone and estradiol. DHEA is also a potent sigma-1 agonist.
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An image of
GNRH
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Originally Posted by wikipedia
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GNRH1), also known as Luteinising-hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), is a peptide hormone responsible for the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary. GNRH1 is synthesized and released by the hypothalamus.
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Control of FSH and LH
At the pituitary, GNRH1 stimulates the synthesis and secretion of the gonadotropins follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These processes are controlled by the size and frequency of GNRH1 pulses, as well as by feedback from androgens and estrogens.
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And finally for the curious the pages about
LH and
FSH .
Also some evididence from abnormality -
Cushings Disease
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Originally Posted by NIH
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Sometimes called "hypercortisolism," it is relatively rare and most commonly affects adults aged 20 to 50. An estimated 10 to 15 of every million people are affected each year.
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Women usually have excess hair growth on their faces, necks, chests, abdomens, and thighs. Their menstrual periods may become irregular or stop. Men have decreased fertility with diminished or absent desire for sex.
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This presents a compelling although far from airtight case, and again the 'slop' comes into play. Notice on the Cushing's page that it says Cushing''s
may lead to having irregular or stopped periods. There is a great deal of interplay and both positive/negative feedback loops all thoughout these pathways. Add to that, there is a great deal of variety between person to person what is considered normal and how strongly each individual pathway acts with each other. This can cause next to zero reproductive effects from stress in some, in can all but stop the ability to reproduce in others. So I'll say what I said before - It would greatly surprise me if not one women ever had her body reject a potential pregnancy because of a stressful experience, but it would be equally as shocking that this phenomenon applies equally to all women. I'm sorry if you were hoping for a simple yes or no.