Postpartum hormones are important to know about!
There are many hormones impacted from pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. This blog is going to focus on estrogen and progesterone primarily. The biggest concept I want you take from this blog is that your body is complex and working very hard to regulate postpartum, all while you are caring for your new baby. You are not in control of these hormones, and how these shifts impact you will be different for everyone. If you don’t feel like yourself, please reach out so we can talk about it and get you support.
Estrogen and Progesterone are high in pregnancy
When you are pregnant, your estrogen and progesterone levels are high.
Progesterone:
In the second half of your menstrual cycle (the luteal phase) and at the beginning of your pregnancy, progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum (in your ovaries). After 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, your placenta takes over production of progesterone. Higher levels of progesterone relax smooth muscle, and help prevent ovulation during pregnancy and lactation.
Estrogen:
Estrogen is also produced by the corpus luteum until the placenta takes over. It helps with placental function, your baby’s development and prepares your body to breastfeed. It can be the reason you feel nauseated, and is also responsible for what many call the “pregnancy glow”.
Your hormones fall drastically after birth
Perimenopause is the 7-10 years before menopause (12 months without a period) where your hormones fluctuate monthly – higher levels of estrogen and progesterone some months, and lower others. The trend is downward, but it takes time. You likely have read that this is a major shift for women and support is needed. We have hormone receptors all over our body, and the downward trend of estrogen is felt differently for each woman. Perimenopausal symptoms can start in your thirties- and they are often misdiagnosed. Did you know we offer support through perimeopause. Check out our service here.
We know the change is drastic for perimenopausal women, so imagine how the drastic drop of hormones feel for postpartum women? Literally overnight, your estrogen and progesterone drop rapidly, bringing a whole host of symptoms.
Symptoms of low estrogen and progesterone postpartum
It is an intense time for new moms- you have a newborn to care for, to learn to feed, and you are incredibly sleep deprived. On top of all of this, you are dealing with the internal shift of hormones, which can lead to many symptoms, such as:
- Hot flashes or night sweats. These happen intensely in the first week to month postpartum, and then should level out. They can be worsened by the extra fluids received during labour.
- Baby blues, Postpartum depression or anxiety. These are very correlated to the drop in hormones. Low estrogen is linked to depression, and low progesterone can be linked to anxiety. You may feel weepy or unwell the first few days postpartum, but if it does not improve it is so important you reach out for support. These are feelings beyond your control, and there is no shame in feeling this way. Sleep deprivation also can intensify these feelings.
- Hair loss! This intensifies around 4 months postpartum. Higher levels of estrogen in pregnancy reduced hair loss, and the decline postpartum causes hair loss.
- Vaginal dryness/painful sex/urinary tract infections/yeast infections. This is a long list! These are all correlated with the low levels of estrogen in postpartum women. These symptoms are similar to what perimenopausal women experience (genitourinary syndrome of menopause) and have recently been coined genitourinary syndrome of lactation. Not every women will experience this, but it can be debilitating. Vaginal lubricants, and low dose non systemic vaginal estrogen are good options for treatment. No, the low dose estrogen taken vaginally should not impact your milk supply. Many women experience these symptoms when their postpartum low estrogen is prolonged due to longer lengths of breastfeeding.
- Low libido! Of course you are likely touched out and also sleep deprived. Adjusting to motherhood is vast and sex often is not a priority postpartum. This is fair! It also can be hormonal – low estrogen contributes to lower libido.
- Fatigue. There are many reasons why you are tired – your sweet baby being one of them! Your mind is consumed and your sleep is broken. But hormones also play a role! Low estrogen causes fatigue.
Estrogen and Progesterone return to baseline around six months
After birth, all women will have low estrogen and progesterone for the first 2-3 months. Those that continue breastfeeding will likely have lower levels until 6 months postpartum, where many will have their cycle return. Those who aren’t breastfeeding or aren’t breastfeeding exclusively or as frequently may have their period return sooner.
When your cycle returns, you may notice a decrease in milk production after ovulation, because estrogen and progesterone levels are higher briefly. However, for most the increase in these hormones is not high enough to affect milk production. You likely won’t notice any impact of menstruation on your milk production.
Bottom line is… it is alot. This mom gig is beautiful, but also intense. The focus is so often only the baby, but you need to feel well, and you deserve support. If any of this resonates with you, you can always book a postpartum session with us and we can discuss and get you connected with the right providers.
Here for you always! And I am rooting for you:)
Carrie
