Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEffectsWhen Do They Regulate?SupportDuring Menopause
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Effects
When Do They Regulate?
Support
During Menopause
Rapidly dropping postpartum hormones, sleep deprivation, and caring for a newborn can lead to a range of emotional and physical changes after giving birth. You might wonder if you’ll ever feel “normal” again.Postpartum is a temporary adjustment period, and things will eventually settle down, helping you feel more like yourself.
This article explains the hormonal shifts that occur postpartum, how they affect you, a timeline for hormone stabilization, and practical coping tips.
LWA/Dann Tardif / Getty Images
Fluctuating Postpartum Hormones and Effects
While most hormonal symptoms during the postpartum period are from drops inestrogen and progesterone, there are a few other key hormones. Here is a breakdown of each:
A Word From VerywellYour body experiences many physical, mental, and emotional changes during the postpartum period. It can take months to feel like yourself again. It’s important to check in with yourself and how you feel and know that help is available.—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Your body experiences many physical, mental, and emotional changes during the postpartum period. It can take months to feel like yourself again. It’s important to check in with yourself and how you feel and know that help is available.—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Your body experiences many physical, mental, and emotional changes during the postpartum period. It can take months to feel like yourself again. It’s important to check in with yourself and how you feel and know that help is available.
—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
When Do Postpartum Hormones Regulate?
During the first 48 hours after delivery, hCG, estrogen, and progesterone levels drop. Around three weeks postpartum, hCG, oxytocin, and prolactin return to prepregnancy levels.However, breastfeeding parents typically have slightlyhigher prolactin levelsfor several months.Cortisol will gradually decline but can remain high with excess stress.
You may begin to feel more like yourself around three to six months postpartum when estrogen and progesterone reach prepregnancy levels. However, estrogen levels may take up to a year to normalize, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Thyroid HormonesThyroid hormones stabilize within a few weeks after childbirth. However, 10% of parents experiencethyroiditis(thyroid swelling). Some people develop hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).Symptoms involve:Difficulty concentratingFatigueHair lossHeat or cold intoleranceHeart rate changesMood changesWeight changesIf you experience these symptoms, your provider may suggest thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid antibody blood tests to detect imbalances.
Thyroid Hormones
Thyroid hormones stabilize within a few weeks after childbirth. However, 10% of parents experiencethyroiditis(thyroid swelling). Some people develop hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).Symptoms involve:Difficulty concentratingFatigueHair lossHeat or cold intoleranceHeart rate changesMood changesWeight changesIf you experience these symptoms, your provider may suggest thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid antibody blood tests to detect imbalances.
Thyroid hormones stabilize within a few weeks after childbirth. However, 10% of parents experiencethyroiditis(thyroid swelling). Some people develop hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).Symptoms involve:
If you experience these symptoms, your provider may suggest thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid antibody blood tests to detect imbalances.
Postpartum Care and Support for Hormonal Changes
During the first 48 hours after birth,postpartum caretypically focuses on physical healing and caring for your newborn. As time passes and you begin coping with hormonal changes, it’s essential to continue to make self-care a priority. Here are some tips:
For stress reduction, utilizedeep breathing exerciseslike the following 4-7-8 technique:
You can also consider complementary therapies like:
Sexual IntimacyEven after the six-week waiting period, many people experience concerns about sexual intimacy due to vaginal dryness, pain, nipple soreness, body image, andlow libido. Your libido will gradually return, though it can take up to a year. In the meantime, maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and sexual partner. Consider alternate forms of physical intimacy and use water-basedvaginal lubricantsduring sexual intercourse.
Sexual Intimacy
Even after the six-week waiting period, many people experience concerns about sexual intimacy due to vaginal dryness, pain, nipple soreness, body image, andlow libido. Your libido will gradually return, though it can take up to a year. In the meantime, maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and sexual partner. Consider alternate forms of physical intimacy and use water-basedvaginal lubricantsduring sexual intercourse.
Emergency Symptoms Of Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis(PPP) is a rare but serious mental health condition. The exact cause is uncertain, but postpartum drops in estrogen or high cortisol levels might contribute. Symptoms that require emergency medical attention include:
Postpartum Hormones Around Menopause
Perimenopauseis the time leading to menopause (when you stop having periods). Estrogen and progesterone changes during the postpartum period and perimenopause can cause:
If you experience childbirth while in perimenopause, hormonal recovery after childbirth might take longer. Postpartum hormone shifts could also temporarily worsen perimenopause symptoms.
Hormonal Birth ControlExperts advise against getting pregnant within six months of delivery and waiting at least 18 months before getting pregnant.Hormonal birth controlis a common choice to prevent pregnancy. Progestin-only options are safe while breastfeeding, but estrogen is not.For those in perimenopause or with preexisting conditions like endometriosis (a condition in which tissue similar to that in the uterus grows outside the uterus), hormonal birth control can also help regulate your hormones, period, and menstrual pain.
Hormonal Birth Control
Experts advise against getting pregnant within six months of delivery and waiting at least 18 months before getting pregnant.Hormonal birth controlis a common choice to prevent pregnancy. Progestin-only options are safe while breastfeeding, but estrogen is not.For those in perimenopause or with preexisting conditions like endometriosis (a condition in which tissue similar to that in the uterus grows outside the uterus), hormonal birth control can also help regulate your hormones, period, and menstrual pain.
Experts advise against getting pregnant within six months of delivery and waiting at least 18 months before getting pregnant.Hormonal birth controlis a common choice to prevent pregnancy. Progestin-only options are safe while breastfeeding, but estrogen is not.
For those in perimenopause or with preexisting conditions like endometriosis (a condition in which tissue similar to that in the uterus grows outside the uterus), hormonal birth control can also help regulate your hormones, period, and menstrual pain.
8 Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes
Summary
Postpartum hormone shifts, especially changes in estrogen and progesterone, can cause intense emotional and physical changes. Your hormones will eventually stabilize within a few weeks to months, and your body will adjust. Prioritize self-care and seek support from your healthcare provider, partner, family, friends, or support groups.
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