Postpartum Depression and Hormone Imbalance

With so many changes occurring in a woman's body during and after pregnancy, it is common to find that hormones can be out of balance. Quite a bit of strain is put on the body following ovulation and conception, and right on through pregnancy and delivery. Of course there are the outward physical changes, as the body accommodates the growing child and finally ushers it out into the world, but there are also effects that are not as immediately, outwardly observable. These can cause physical discomfort, and even contribute to mental and spiritual effects - such as postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression affects around 15% of new mothers - that means an unfortunately high likelihood that a woman who has recently given birth may find herself suffering from the condition. If left untreated, it can be severe, going as far as to include suicidal thoughts and neglect or even physical harm to the child. It is important to monitor both mother and child after birth to safeguard their health and well-being. If any severe or persistent changes for the worse are noticed in behavior or mood, it is a good idea to enlist the help of a health care practitioner.

Often, the impulse is to treat the symptoms of postpartum depression. "The mother is feeling depressed, so of course we should give her anti-depressants," the thinking goes. The trouble with this approach, however, is that it does not really address the underlying causes of the condition. One such factor can be hormone imbalance.

During and after pregnancy and childbirth, a mother's hormones can been thrown out of balance. The body is normally capable of re-balancing on its own, but where this is not happening, there are natural nutritional and hormonal remedies that can be used to gently restore balance. Whatever course of action you choose, the most important thing is to get help with any symptoms of postpartum depression as soon as you notice them.

It sometimes takes months for the body to return to normal and begin the ovulation cycle again. Helping the body through this period can ease the stresses - physical, mental and emotional. While most cases of postpartum depression can be treated quickly and easily, there are some times when it can be a very dangerous condition. Keeping a close watch on mother and child to ensure both are happy and healthy is an important part of welcoming the newest family member. The key is to be aware of any persistent symptoms and seek help in treating them early - it is always best to enlist the help of an expert.