Stress. We’ve all felt its grip—the racing thoughts, the tightness in your chest, the feeling that your to-do list will never end. It’s part of life, sure, but when stress goes unchecked, it’s not just your mood that takes a hit. Behind the scenes, your hormones—the chemical messengers that run your body—are working overtime to keep you balanced. And when they can’t keep up? Your health, your fertility, and even your sense of self can start to spiral.