5 Signs of Hormone Imbalance After Pregnancy

The journey of parenthood begins with a constant cycle of hormonal changes. These changes play a significant role during pregnancy, impacting mood, emotions, appetite, and changes to your body. Once the baby arrives, the hormonal roller coaster continues as your body recovers and heals during the postpartum phase.

While it's common to experience hormonal fluctuations after giving birth, how do you differentiate between normal hormonal shifts and irregular imbalances? We're seeking insights from women's health experts and registered dietitians Courtney O'Neill, RD, CDE, MPH and Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, to help us understand the signs of hormone imbalance after pregnancy.

How long does it take for your hormones to balance out after having a baby?

The process can take several weeks or many months. According to Manker, the first six weeks post-birth are marked by substantial changes as estrogen and progesterone levels aim to normalize. At the same time, the body begins the recovery and healing process.

Pregnancy triggers a surge in hormone levels to facilitate changes in your body and the growing baby. However, after giving birth, there's a notable shift as hormone levels drop, and your body needs time to restore hormonal balance.

O'Neill clarifies that there isn't a specific timeline for hormone regulation. Instead, it's dependent on several factors, like whether the mother is breastfeeding, lifestyle choices, and medical history. She adds, "Our thyroid function can take weeks to return to baseline. This also needs to be considered regarding health history and psycho-social support at home."

How do you know if you have a hormonal imbalance after pregnancy?

It's common for individuals to experience shifts in hormonal levels during the postpartum period. Recognizing these signs is crucial for seeking proper guidance and support. Manaker explains that symptoms include persistent fatigue, mood fluctuations or 'baby blues,' and irregular menstrual cycles.

Breastfeeding causes prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk supply and breast milk production, to remain elevated, resulting in lower estrogen levels and interfering with menstruation. However, if menstruation deviates from usual cycles, it can be an indication of a more significant postpartum hormonal imbalance. Manker says, "The return to a pre-pregnancy menstrual cycle varies for each individual, but significantly irregular or absent cycles may signify a hormonal disturbance."

Can breastfeeding cause hormonal imbalance?

During breastfeeding, prolactin plays a role in suppressing both progesterone and estrogen. O'Neill explains that estrogen normalizes around six months postpartum as breastfeeding demands shift when babies start solids. Progesterone usually regulates once the menstrual cycle resumes, typically occurring around 6-8 weeks postpartum for non-breastfeeding mothers and spanning from 4 to 24 months postpartum for breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding naturally alters hormonal levels but may lead to some discomforting symptoms such as vaginal dryness and low libido.

How do you treat hormonal imbalances after giving birth?

Treatment involves an individualized approach, but generally, the most effective way to address hormonal imbalance is through integrating self-care practices. Prioritizing sufficient sleep, hydration, a well-balanced diet, and a comprehensive support system is a fundamental part of the process. Manaker says a diet rich in healthy fats, iron, fiber, and calcium enhances recovery and healing. Be sure to include foods like avocado, salmon, chia seeds, and unsweetened dairy products to actively support hormone regulation.

Identify specific stress points and implement strategies to help mitigate them to reduce stress. Seeking support from a spouse and family members can help alleviate the burden of household duties such as laundry and cleaning, while a friend-supported meal train ensures you have nourishing food for the week. Institute self-care practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga. These practices can effectively relax the body and release built-up tension.

If symptoms persist after making lifestyle changes or if you find yourself grappling with signs of postpartum rage, depression, or anxiety, it's important to seek professional help. Your healthcare provider may recommend a more comprehensive approach, including medication or therapeutic interventions.

5 Signs of Hormone Imbalance After Pregnancy

It is important to note that hormonal imbalance after pregnancy manifests with varying degrees of symptoms. Recognizing and understanding these symptoms is the first step in effectively managing postpartum care.

Mood swings

From the joys of bonding with your new baby to the sheer exhaustion and overwhelming uncertainties (especially if you're a new parent), it's common for women to experience emotional ups and downs after pregnancy. It's an emotional journey that often includes the development of perinatal mood disorders.

If these conditions persist or intensify beyond the initial postpartum weeks, they might point to underlying hormonal irregularities. If left untreated, there's a risk that these mood disorders escalate into more severe conditions, such as postpartum depression. Early intervention is key in addressing postpartum depression symptoms and supporting mental health in order to have a positive postpartum experience.

Fatigue

Beyond the natural exhaustion of caring for a newborn, chronic fatigue might signal postpartum hormonal imbalances. Ongoing exhaustion can affect mood, energy levels, and the ability to care for yourself and your baby. Establishing a sleeping system with your partner is crucial to ensure you're getting adequate rest. Consider taking shifts or offering a bottle of formula during night feeds to get longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep.

Low sex drive

Experiencing a drop in libido after giving birth is absolutely normal, from lack of sleep and the demands of breastfeeding to recovery from labor - it's no surprise you're not in the sexy mood. Hormones also contribute to a lower sex drive and can impact vaginal dryness, making the whole experience a bit uncomfortable. It's important to be patient with yourself during this adjustment period and have open conversations with your partner to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Irregular mensuration

It can take your body a few months for regular menstruation to return after giving birth. However, if your menstrual cycle is significantly delayed or if your period resumes on an irregular cycle, it may be indicative of a hormonal imbalance. Record your menstrual cycles and associated symptoms in a notebook or through a tracking app. Pay close attention to any irregularities you observe, which will be helpful information for your healthcare provider.

Weight gain

Beyond the well-known factors of stress and inadequate sleep that can influence weight, alterations in thyroid function also play a significant role in weight gain. The thyroid, crucial for hormone regulation and metabolism, can negatively impact weight when not functioning correctly. If you find yourself gaining weight despite no significant changes in your eating habits, discussing it with your OBGYN is important.

Experts

•  Courtney O’Neill, RD, CDE, MPH
•  Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD