Cortisol, Sexual Arousal, and Affect in Response to Sexual Stimuli

Women who show an increase in cortisol in response to sexual stimuli in the laboratory have lower levels of functioning in certain areas of their sexual life compared with women who show a decrease in cortisol. Stress related to sexual performance may interfere with sexual arousal. Hamilton LD, Rellini AH, and Meston CM. Cortisol, sexual arousal, and affect in response to sexual stimuli. J Sex Med 2008;5:2111-2118.