How do you restore hormonal balance in the post-partum period ?

What causes hormones to drop after childbirth ?

One of the main triggers for a drop in hormones after childbirth is the expulsion of the placenta. During pregnancy, the placenta produces a considerable amount ofestrogen and progesterone. Once the placenta has been expelled, these levels drop sharply, causing a real hormonal upheaval. This sudden change can lead to symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue and even the famous baby blues. It’s worth noting that this period is not unlike the emotional rollercoaster experienced during adolescence, or certain periods of the menstrual cycle. The first few weeks after giving birth are therefore crucial for adjusting to these new hormonal fluctuations.

Hormonal changes after childbirth

Childbirth is a period of intense transformation for a woman, affecting both the physical and the emotional. This phase is marked by a significant drop in hormones, notably estrogen and progesterone, after the birth of the child. This phenomenon, known as the “post-partum hormone crash”, is natural but can have a profound impact on the mother’s well-being. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disorders, post-partum depression and the“baby blues“.

Decrease in estrogen and progesterone

After delivery, with the expulsion of the placenta, estrogen and progesterone levels fall rapidly. During pregnancy, these hormones are produced in large quantities by the placenta, playing an essential role in maintaining pregnancy and preparing the mother’s body for childbirth.

The sudden drop in these hormones has a profound impact on the female hormonal system, affecting the serotonin system in particular. Estrogen and progesterone promote the production of serotonin, a hormone linked to a sense of well-being, so their depletion can lead to emotional and psychological disorders such as the baby blues or post-partum depression.

Role of prolactin and oxytocin

As estrogen and progesterone fall, other hormones, such as prolactin, increase in level to support new maternal functions. Essential for initiating and maintaining lactation after delivery, prolactin was inhibited by high levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, preventing milk production.

Once the placenta has been expelled, prolactin can finally take effect, enabling the secretion of colostrum and then breast milk. Oxytocin, nicknamed the “love hormone”, also plays a vital role during and after childbirth. It is responsible for uterine contractions during childbirth and helps milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Oxytocin also strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child, helping to manage emotions and stress. This is all the more important in the post-partum period, when new mothers can experience great fatigue and anxiety.

When do hormones drop ?

Immediately after childbirth, a significant drop in hormones occurs, often in the hours following birth. This drop is closely associated with the elimination of the placenta, previously responsible for generating large quantities of hormones during pregnancy.

Estrogen and progesterone levels drop abruptly as soon as the placenta is expelled. New mothers usually feel the consequences of this hormonal drop within 24 to 48 hours of giving birth, experiencing increased physical and mental fatigue, accompanied by emotional turmoil. Although the hormonal drop generally stabilizes within a week, its repercussions, including fatigue and emotional sensitivity, may persist for longer.

It is essential to stress that this period of hormonal transition should not extend beyond 15 to 20 days. If symptoms persist or intensify after this time, consulting a healthcare professional is imperative to rule out the possibility of post-partum depression or other emotional and psychological complications.

Physical symptoms of hormonal decline

Fatigue and sleep disorders

Fatigue, often described as intense and disabling, is frequently reported following the hormonal drop after childbirth. This feeling can be exacerbated by a significant drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, as well as by the sleep interruptions associated with caring for the baby during the night.

Sleep can become a rare luxury because of the multiple awakenings needed to feed or change the baby, reinforcing the feeling of fatigue. This can hamper the mother’s physical and emotional recovery. In addition, disorders such as insomnia can occur, as hormonal changes add to the stress and worry of caring for the newborn, disrupting restful sleep.

Skin and hair changes

The post-partum period is also marked by visible changes to the skin and hair. Hair loss, known as post-partum alopecia, is not uncommon, usually occurring between 2 and 4 months after birth.

This hair loss is linked to the drop in female hormones, which leads to an accelerated resting (telogen) phase in many hair follicles, resulting in noticeable hair loss. The skin can also undergo textural changes, acne and become more sensitive, all attributed to hormonal fluctuations. Although often temporary, these transformations can be a cause for concern for new mothers.

Weight variations and appetite

Weight and appetite changes are other typical symptoms of the post-delivery period, which may indicate hormonal imbalance, particularly in the thyroid gland, or insulin resistance.

Hormones can also influence appetite, causing either increased or reduced hunger. Other symptoms, such as bladder weakness and pain associated with scars or lochia (post-delivery bleeding), can also occur. Although generally short-lived, these symptoms can have a profound impact on the mother’s well-being and comfort.

The emotional and psychological impact of hormonal imbalance

Baby blues and post-partum depression

After childbirth, the drop in hormones can have a profound effect on the emotional and psychological state of new mothers. The“baby blues“, experienced by around 70-80% of them, manifest themselves as sadness, fatigue, impatience, irritability and an inability to sit still. These symptoms usually occur between the fourth and fifth day after birth, and usually subside within two weeks. However, for some women, these feelings persist and can develop into post-partum depression (PPD). PPD is characterized by profound sadness and feelings of worthlessness, affecting the mother’s ability to care for and bond with her child.

Symptoms of PPD include frequent crying spells, sudden mood swings, irritability and disinterest in daily activities. These signs can appear in the first few months after childbirth and, in some cases, persist for up to a year afterwards. Distinguishing the baby blues from PPD is vital, as the latter requires medical and psychological care to prevent more severe consequences, such as suicidal thoughts or an obsession with the child’s safety.

Anxiety and irritability

The post-delivery hormonal drop can also cause anxiety and irritability. Postpartum anxiety is characterized by constant worry, sleep disturbances, muscle tension and difficulty concentrating. New mothers may be excessively anxious about their baby’s health and safety, going so far as to constantly check on his or her well-being or imagine the worst. Irritability, often accompanied by mood swings and fatigue, can disrupt relationships with partners, family and friends, further complicating this delicate period.

It’s important to recognize these symptoms and seek help to prevent anxiety and irritability from developing into more serious disorders.

Our tips for balancing your hormones after childbirth

After childbirth, it’s vital to restore hormonal balance for the mother’s physical and emotional well-being. Here are some practical tips to help you manage this period of hormonal transition:

• Rest and sleep management: Postpartum fatigue is common. It is essential to rest as soon as possible. Although night-time awakenings are inevitable, sleeping when the baby sleeps and enlisting the help of family or friends to take over at night can be very helpful.

• Eat a rich and varied diet: A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential to help the body recover and stabilize hormones. Favor foods rich in omega-3s, as well as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Express your emotions: It’s important not to keep your emotions to yourself, whether they’re good or bad. Talking with a spouse, friends, family or a healthcare professional can help manage mood fluctuations and emotional sensitivity.

• Accepting help: Asking for help is essential. Whether it’s housekeeping, taking care of the baby or simply giving yourself a moment’s respite, accepting the support of loved ones can greatly ease the postpartum period.

• Taking time out: It’s essential to take time out for yourself, whether it’s for a solitary walk, a beauty treatment, or just a moment of reading. These moments can help preserve emotional balance and reduce stress.

• Moderate physical activity: With your doctor’s or midwife’s approval, resuming moderate physical activity can help improve your mood and alleviate fatigue. However, it’s important to remain cautious, especially in the first few months after giving birth, to avoid injuries and complications.

• Consider natural and holistic approaches: Naturopathy and other holistic practices can offer complementary tools for navigating postpartum hormonal and emotional changes. Dietary supplements or postpartum products These methods can include nutritional counseling, the use of natural supplements and relaxation techniques to help stabilize hormones and improve overall well-being.

Conclusion

The period following childbirth, or postpartum, is characterized by significant hormonal changes impacting the physical and mental well-being of new mothers. The rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause fatigue, sleep disorders, skin and hair changes, as well as emotional problems such as the baby blues and post-partum depression. Understanding these hormonal changes is fundamental to managing them.

To regain hormonal and emotional balance after childbirth, it’s essential to rest, maintain a balanced diet, express your feelings, accept the help offered, and engage in light physical activity. It is also important to seek medical or psychological support if symptoms persist or intensify.

Regular postpartum consultations and ongoing support play a major role in improving the health and well-being of mothers and their babies. By being aware of these elements and acting proactively, new mothers can approach this period of change with greater serenity, ensuring a healthy and happy start for themselves and their children.

Sources :

1. https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/devenir-parent/accouchement-et-nouveau-ne/baby-blues-depression-post-partum-grossesse#:~:text=Le%20baby%20blues%20est%20un,totalement%20en%20deux%202%20semaines.
2. https://www.msdmanuals.com/fr/accueil/probl%C3%A8mes-de-sant%C3%A9-de-la-femme/soins-du-post-partum/d%C3%A9pression-du-post-partum