The Connection Between Past Trauma and Reproductive Health

The subject of reproductive health and past trauma is a broad topic, and at first glance, it can lead to assumptions about what it must mean. The intention here is to provide education with the hope of sharing a connection between these two topics.

Any condition that affects the reproductive system at any time in life is considered a reproductive health issue. Remember from biology class that our reproductive system includes glands, hormones, organs, etc. Examples of these conditions may include early or delayed puberty, erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, endometriosis, infertility, menstrual problems, hormone-related issues, and complications during pregnancy.

Trauma is individually defined, but typically it is a response that overwhelms our coping mechanisms. Examples of trauma can include verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, dysfunction in a household, or childhood stressors.

How Trauma Affects the Body and Reproductive Health

One link between these two topics is trauma-related stress; this type of stress can lead to changes in hormones and the nervous system. When trauma remains unresolved and stress is ongoing, the nervous system becomes unbalanced, leading to health problems. On one end of the continuum, you have stress. The body releases increased amounts of cortisol, and after the event is over, the brain receives a signal to stop releasing the chemical. With persistent stress, the body continues to release high levels of cortisol. Traumatic stress also causes elevated cortisol levels, but the body processes them differently. Although the levels remain high, there are more cells for the chemical to attach to, which can make the levels appear lower. This is important because both high and low levels of cortisol affect various body systems (including the immune system), which can lead to inflammation and ultimately impact multiple health conditions.

Practices to help support your nervous system may include:

• A consistent morning and evening/bedtime routine

• Slowing down — both physically and mentally

• Exercise

• Good nutrition

• Any practice that supports your needs and interests