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The role of stress in female reproduction and pregnancy: an update
Author(s) -
Vrekoussis Thomas,
Kalantaridou Sophia N.,
Mastorakos George,
Zoumakis Emmanuel,
Makrigiannakis Antonis,
Syrrou Marika,
Lavasidis Lazaros G.,
Relakis Kostas,
Chrousos George P.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05686.x
Subject(s) - offspring , in utero , pregnancy , homeostasis , reproduction , stressor , fetus , human reproduction , prenatal stress , physiology , endocrinology , adverse effect , medicine , biology , neuroscience , ecology , genetics , anatomy
Life exists by establishing a balanced equilibrium, called homeostasis, constantly challenged by adverse stimuli, called stressors. In response to these stimuli, a complex neurohormonal reaction exerted by the activation of the so‐called stress system is initiated. The latter is activated in a coordinated fashion, leading to behavioral and peripheral changes that improve the ability of the organism to adjust homeostasis and increase its chance for survival. The stress system suppressive effects on female reproduction involve suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis at the hypothalamic, pituitary, ovarian, and uterine levels. Experimental and human data suggest that adverse prenatal stimuli, of either maternal or fetal origin, acting in the developing embryo in utero , can lead to the development of short‐ and long‐term health disorders. These include preterm birth of the offspring, low birth weight, and the development of adult diseases ranging from the metabolic syndrome to several neurodevelopmental disorders.