Postpartum depression is a natural occurrence for some women that occurs after giving birth. A more common condition is what is referred to as the ‘baby blues’, which is a timeframe of days to a few weeks after birth in which the mother will exhibit rapidly changing moods and emotions, may experience some anxiety and slight depressive episodes. Postpartum depression is a more intense, longer-lasting condition that needs to be addressed by a health professional! Studies indicate that between 6.5% and 20% of women experience postpartum depression, to varying degrees.
The team at the Happy Hormone Cottage has devoted their practice to the health and betterment of women experiencing hormone difficulties. We understand how significant life events can take a toll on women’s bodies. Our goal is to help women manage hormone deficiency and help restore an improved quality of life.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
As mentioned, postpartum depression is classified by similar symptoms as the ‘baby blues’ but becomes persistent, lasting for weeks or possibly months if left unaddressed. Unfortunately, this condition can have serious implications for your health, while preventing you from properly caring for your child. That is why it is so critically important to seek out assistance as soon as symptoms present themselves. Postpartum depression signs and symptoms may include:
- Depressed mood or severe mood swings
- Excessive crying
- Inability to bond with your baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
- Lack of sleep (insomnia) or oversleeping
- Intense fatigue or loss of energy
- Fear that you’re not a good mother
- Hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt or inadequacy
- Brain fog or cognitive impairment
- Restlessness
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Causes of Postpartum Depression
There is no singular cause of postpartum depression and it can be nearly impossible to tell if you will experience depressive episodes after giving birth. The process of birth involves so many powerful emotions, as well as psychological and physical changes all happening in a short period of time. It can be one of the most challenging experiences for your body and the energy required to adjust to that change can take a serious toll on you.
With regards to physical changes, after childbirth, most women experience a dramatic decline in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) which may contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by your thyroid gland also may drop sharply — which can leave you feeling fatigued, weighed-down, and depressed.
Emotional complications are a natural occurrence when you’re sleep-deprived and overwhelmed by the dramatic changes happening in your life. You may have difficulty handling even minor, everyday obstacles, or you may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn. Another common side effect is experiencing existential doubts, feeling unsure of yourself, or as though you are not in control anymore. Any of these issues can contribute to postpartum depression.
Firsthand Account of Postpartum Depression
Lisa Hardwick is a great friend of the team at the Happy Hormone Cottage and a current patient, with our postpartum recovery protocol being an important part of her recovery. Being a mother and author of A LifePostpartum: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression, Lisa works to bring hope to the millions of women who suffer from postpartum depression each year. Her goal is to raise awareness for the subject and to break the stigma associated with postpartum depression. A Life Postpartum is now available for $15.99 through Amazon, Barnes, and Noble, or your local independent bookseller!
Check out her social accounts below:
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement (BHRT) Therapy is the Answer!
Hormone imbalance and deficiency plays a significant role in the development and persistence of postpartum depression. Hormones play such an integral role in the majority of the internal functions in the body. Maintaining proper hormone levels helps moderate your sleep patterns, appetite and digestion, mood, behavior, cognitive ability, and the list goes on.
The end of the pregnancy cycle can bring abrupt changes to hormone production inside of the female body. Your body is no longer trying to support the baby, its health, and proper growth. For some women, the recalibration can cause their hormone production to fall and lead them into postpartum depression. Hormone replacement therapy can help women suffering from postpartum depression as it helps regulate and boost essential female hormone levels.
The team at the Happy Hormone Cottage utilizes bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy to ease the transition, significantly reducing your symptoms, allowing you to recover faster and with far fewer health consequences for you and your child. For more information about our hormone protocols, click here to start your journey!
You’re not Alone, Happy Hormone Cottage is Here to Help!
If you have questions about postpartum depression or would like to consult with a specialist about what options could be right for you, reach out to the team at the Happy Hormone Cottage today! We want to help women through challenging times, allowing them to enjoy the incredible experience of being a mother! Call our offices or book a consultation online today to take the first step towards starting your hormone journey!
