Role of Cortisol in Serum and Follicular Fluid in Sub Fertile Women Undergo Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

Abstract

Background: Cortisol, is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, performs many vital functions in the body, including the regulation of energy, metabolism, and immunity. The body also releases cortisol to activate our "flight-or-fight" responses to counteract acutely stressful situations. If cortisol levels stay elevated for extended periods, however, they can lead to chronic stress. This long-term activation of the stress-response system can interfere with the normal functioning of other body systems, including reproductive health. Several studies demonstrate a relationship between stress, cortisol and infertility – higher levels of stress and cortisol result in a decreased fertility rate [1]. Aim of the study: to detect the follicular fluid and blood concentration of the cortisol hormone on subfertility in women undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) for fertility treatment. Method: This case control study carried out on eighty women, from these, forty female were subfertile patient defined as the cases, other fourty female as control included fertile female came to fertility center due to male facter of subfertility. A detailed medical history, physical examination was recorded. At the same day of ovum pickup blood and follicular fluid were collected, for hormonal analysis of cortisol. Results: Show significantly higher levels of serum and follicular cortisol in subfertile women (cases) than control group ( p < 0.05), and significant positive correlations between serum and follicular fluid. Conclusion: Cortisol hormone level in blood and follicular fluid were significantly higher in cases group than control and there is a positive correlations between serum and follicular fluid of cortisol.