{
  "id": 14703148,
  "title": "Cortisol is a reproduction friend, not enemy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/cortisol-is-a-reproduction-friend-not-enemy",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-15T13:20:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-10-cortisol-reproduction-friend-enemy.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A major international study has found that cortisol, often labeled as the stress hormone, may actually be beneficial for healthy reproduction. The research, led by scientists from Australia's La Trobe University and involving experts from the United States and Canada, suggests that cortisol is a normal and potentially supportive part of female reproductive cycles. Published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, the study reviewed almost 70 scientific papers across various animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The findings indicate that cortisol levels often increase around the time of ovulation, challenging the notion that high cortisol levels always suppress reproduction. Senior author Dr. Kerry Fanson emphasized that the study's results could help reproductive scientists factor natural cortisol into fertility studies, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for reproductive issues.",
  "summary": "A major international study of the role cortisol plays in reproduction has found it may not be the villain it has been depicted as, and it may actually promote healthy reproduction.",
  "key_points": [
    "Cortisol, known as stress hormone, may benefit healthy reproduction.",
    "Study led by La Trobe University scientists finds cortisol supportive of female reproductive cycles."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}