A study in the journal of Psychosomatic Medicine found that couples who had more physical contact had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Physical activity was not just defined as sexual intercourse—hugging, kissing, even holding hands had a positive effect. It seemed that any form of intimacy helped mood and lowered stress hormone levels. This was especially found to be true in couples who felt they were under high stress at work. Other studies have shown that those in happy relationships have better health and have longer lives.
Psychosomatic Medicine 2008.
Mona Saint M.D., M.P.H. is a board certified Ob/Gyn and a mother of two young boys. She has won awards of excellence in gynecologic surgery and teaching, and she continually receives the highest ratings in patient satisfaction surveys. Most of all, she is appreciated for her down to earth and easy to understand explanations of complex medical questions and her empathetic style.