A recent study of yellow baboons suggests that environmental stress leads to infertility in them. In a season when food is scarce, conception rates are likely to halve. Scientists could correlate the environmental stress to low levels of progesterone in these primates. The study strongly suggests that reducing stress levels could be a powerful therapy for infertility problems. Sam Wasser of the University of Washington, US, is busy recruiting 1,000 infertile couples to test the theory in humans and investigate how best to incorporate stress reduction as part of the treatment. Over 10 per cent of infertility problems in women stem from inadequate levels of progesterone ( New Scientist , Vol 151, No 2044).
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.