The effect of stress on the female reproductive system: pathophysiology and neuroendocrine interactions

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Abstract

Stress is an important factor that influences the work of many systems, and it can cause an imbalance in the human body. The issue of stress and its consequences is extremely important, since there is a rapid increase in behavior disorders caused by stress and stress-associated diseases all over the world (various forms of neuroses and depressions) which affect from 25 to 35% of the population. The impact of stress on the female reproductive system is of particular interest. Stress can be considered to be one of the most common and underestimated factors which contribute to the female infertility. The main aspect of scientific research is the study of the work and interaction of the nervous, immune and endocrine systems under the influence of external stimuli, namely stress factors. The analysis of the literature data indicates the adverse impact of stress factors on the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology programs, the processes of oogenesis and embryogenesis. Our literature review systematizes the data on the close relationship between the central nervous system, immune and endocrine systems; each of these systems contributes to the female reproductive health at various levels.

Conclusion: The optimal functioning of the female reproductive system under stress directly depends on the function of the central nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, as well as their direct interaction. It is necessary to search and develop new personalized approaches to the prevention and treatment of stress-related conditions. Further studies devoted to this problem can be beneficial not only for scientific researchers, but they can also have a high practical significance for clinicians.

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About the authors

Daria A. Biryukova

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Author for correspondence.
Email: dasha4465@yandex.ru

 medical resident

Russian Federation, 117997, Moscow, Ac. Oparina str., 4.

Tatiana S. Amyan

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: t_amyan@oparina4.ru

Ph.D., Researcher at the 1st Gynecology Department

Russian Federation, 117997, Moscow, Ac. Oparina str., 4.

Alla A. Gavisova

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: gavialla@yandex.ru

Ph.D., Leading Researcher at the 1st Gynecology Department

Russian Federation, 117997, Moscow, Ac. Oparina str., 4.

Evelina R. Durinyan

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: evelina_durinyan@mail.ru

Ph.D., Senior Researcher at the 1st Gynecology Department

Russian Federation, 117997, Moscow, Ac. Oparina str., 4.

Zhanna R. Gardanova

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: zanna7777@inbox.ru

Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, Head of the Psychiatric Department ICPSW

Russian Federation, 117997, Moscow, Ostrovityanova str., 1

Marina A. Nikolayeva

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: MNikolaeva@oparina4.ru

Ph.D., Leading Researcher at the Laboratory of Clinical Immunology

Russian Federation, 117997, Moscow, Ac. Oparina str., 4.

Natalya A. Krasnova

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: n_krasnova@oparina4.ru

Ph.D., employee of the 1st Gynecology Department

Russian Federation, 117997, Moscow, Ac. Oparina str., 4.

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