Mindfulness Increases Testosterone
Stress leads to the secretion of cortisol and ongoing unregulated release of cortisol can suppress aspects of immune function and have negative effects on men and women’s health and well-being. A new study shows how mindfulness reduces cortisol and modulates testosterone levels better than relaxation techniques. Researchers aimed to investigate the effects of short-term mindfulness meditation on cortisol and testosterone levels in response to acute stress.
Research Overview:
The study comprised two groups: one group engaged in mindfulness meditation, while the other group underwent relaxation training (RT). The primary goal was to observe changes in hormone levels before, during, and after exposure to a stressful scenario.
Key Findings:
Results unveiled that both groups exhibited increased levels of cortisol and testosterone following exposure to stress. Interestingly, the rise in cortisol did not correlate with the rise in testosterone. Notably, participants in the mindfulness meditation group experienced a further increase in testosterone levels when engaging in an additional 20-minute practice immediately after stress, compared to the relaxation group. Conversely, the relaxation group demonstrated higher cortisol levels than the mindfulness meditation group during the same period. (Mindfulness is more effective than relaxation techniques).
What Does This Mean?
These findings suggest that mindfulness meditation, particularly when practiced with tools like the FertileMind app, may offer benefits in managing stress by regulating these two hormones. Given the adverse effects of excessive cortisol on immune function and overall health, incorporating mindfulness practices into daily routines can promote emotional resilience and physical well-being during fertility treatments or while TTCing.
Explore the transformative power of mindfulness with the FertileMind app and take a step towards greater well-being today and your future family.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10253890.2024.2316041
