Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s stress response. Elevated stress and high cortisol levels have been shown to hinder sexual function by affecting arousal and orgasm. It’s essential to manage stress and cortisol levels through stress management techniques, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes. In this article we explore the intricate relation of cortisol and sexual dysfunction in women.
What is Cortisol?
Commonly known as the body’s stress hormone, cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It plays a fundamental role in regulating the body’s stress response while also participating in other essential functions like metabolism, immune response, and circadian rhythm.
Some of the key responsibilities of cortisol are as follows:
- Regulating the body’s stress response
- Managing metabolism
- Managing blood pressure levels
- Suppressing inflammation
- Increasing the availability of glucose in the brain
How Does Cortisol Affect the Brain?
Although the relationship between cortisol and sexual function is complex, it does have a significant impact on brain circuits that control sexual function. This intricate relationship occurs through various physiological and psychological changes. Here’s a brief look at how cortisol impacts circuits that are vital for sexual function:
1. Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal [HPA] Axis Activation: The Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal [HPA] is a crucial neuroendocrine system that plays an essential role in the body’s response to stress. It is a system of endocrine pathways that are tightly regulated. When the HPA axis is activated, the following steps take place:
- Hypothalamic Activation: As a response to stress, the hypothalamus [a small crucial part of the brain] releases corticotropin-releasing hormone [CRH].
- Pituitary Activation: The release of CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH].
- Adrenal Activation: Once ACTH is released, it signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol, the primary stress hormone.
2. Impact on Gonadal Hormones: When cortisol is chronically elevated due to prolonged stress, it can interfere with the normal regulation of essential gonadal hormones like testosterone in both men and women. Such disturbances in sex hormones can impact sexual desire, arousal, and overall sexual function.
Related: The Influence of Female Sex Hormones
3. Disruption of Neurotransmitters: When cortisol is released, it also influences the neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for elevated moods and sexual function. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can also disrupt these neurotransmitters and impact sexual function.
4. Effects on the Limbic System: The limbic system is a group of brain structures that plays vital roles in processing emotions, memory, motivation, and social processing. The release of cortisol can influence the activities of the limbic system, including those related to sexual experiences.
5. Hippocampal Impact: The hippocampus is another crucial part of the brain that’s responsible for memory formation. Elevated cortisol levels and chronic stress can influence the structure and function of the hippocampus, potentially hampering sexual memory and arousal.
6. Cortisol’s Interactions with Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal [HPG] Axis: The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal [HPG] is a neurodocrine system that’s critical for regulating reproductive activity and the release of ovarian hormones. When cortisol is released, it interacts with HPG potentially leading to changes in menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances in women.
7. Endothelial Dysfunction: Endothelial dysfunction is a type of coronary artery disease in which the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrow, thus restricting blood flow. Elevated cortisol levels may contribute to endothelial dysfunction. This can have implications on sexual function as blood flow is crucial for arousal and maintaining sexual response.
As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to note that the relationship between cortisol and sexual function is highly complex and can vary according to individuals.
A Brief Look at Female Sexual Dysfunction
In a nutshell, female sexual dysfunction classifies a wide range of difficulties that hinder a woman from engaging in sexual activities. It can include a loss of desire, difficulty in genital response, orgasmic dysfunction, and excessive sexual drive. Female sexual dysfunction can impact every aspect of the sexual response cycle.
Although the root cause of female sexual disorder is unknown, it is believed to be caused by three primary factors such as psychological factors [stress, trauma, depression], physical factors [gynecological conditions, hormonal disorders], and situational factors [cultural and environmental influences].
Related: Female Sexual Dysfunction, the Spotlight Time to Address it | 19 Questions to Diagnose Female Sexual Dysfunction | Female Orgasmic Disorder | Female Sexual Disorder | Sexual Performance Anxiety
Impact of Cortisol on Sexual Function
According to several studies, research has shown that high cortisol levels can lead to decreased sexual desire in women through a variety of physiological and psychological changes. Based on the results from research, we also know that women who experience elevated cortisol levels during sexual stimuli tend to score lower in sexual desire and satisfaction.
Let’s dive deeper into understanding some of the specific impacts of cortisol on women’s sexual desire.
- Arousal: As mentioned earlier, high cortisol can lead to endothelial dysfunction which leads to reduced blood flow. Adequate blood flow is crucial for arousal and any imbalance can make it harder to become aroused. According to research, high stress and cortisol levels have led to lower genital arousal in women, even when there was no change in psychological arousal.
- Sexual Pain: Chronic stress and high cortisol levels can lead to increased muscle tension, including the pelvic region. This tension may contribute to discomfort or pain during sexual activity, thus restraining overall sexual satisfaction.
- Orgasm: Although direct links between cortisol and orgasm aren’t explicitly mentioned, high levels of stress and cortisol may disrupt the neurotransmitters involved in orgasm.
Additionally, high cortisol levels can also impact essential sex hormones like testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen in women. Although it’s a complex topic, increased stress and cortisol levels can impact arousal, and orgasm, and influence vital sex hormones in women.
How to Manage Stress for Better Sexual Health?
Stress and high cortisol levels can certainly take a toll on sexual health. Therefore, it’s essential to implement healthy lifestyle changes to promote a satisfying sex life. Here are some helpful tips to manage stress.
- Stress Management Techniques
Engaging in stress management techniques can help manage cortisol levels, promote relaxation, and better sexual health. Some of the recommended techniques are meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, deep breathing exercises, and biofeedback.
Related: Aromatherapy for Female Sexual Dysfunction | 4 Ways to Overcome Stress for Better Sex - Lifestyle Modifications
Making necessary lifestyle modifications can not only improve sexual health but also positively influence overall well-being. Some helpful lifestyle changes include getting adequate sleep, engaging in regular exercise, following a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, spending time on hobbies, and staying connected with family and friends. - Dietary and Exercise Recommendation
According to research, regular exercise has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and improve overall health. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to engage in regular physical activities like aerobic or strength-training workouts. It’s ideal to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, most of the week. Similarly, following a nutritious diet can also help manage cortisol levels. Some dietary recommendations include limiting sugar and caffeine, adding omega-3 fatty acids, and staying hydrated.
Get Help with Dr. Mozhgan
As you can see, there is a strong link between cortisol levels and our sexual health. Managing stress is crucial to promoting sexual and overall well-being. If you’re struggling with sexual dysfunction, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. Consider Dr. Mozhgan, one of the best gynecologists in Dubai, UAE. With over 20 years of experience and knowledge, Dr. Mozhgan is highly equipped to treat female sexual dysfunction.
Book an appointment and take control of your sexual health.
