Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey, but as your body adjusts to the postpartum phase, you might find yourself experiencing hormonal fluctuations. In this article, we’ll look at the changes you might notice and strategies to help you balance hormones after pregnancy – embracing natural and healthy approaches.
Signs of Hormone Imbalance After Pregnancy
Your body goes through significant hormone changes after pregnancy that can impact your physical and emotional well-being. Understanding them is important for your recovery. Let’s look at them in turn and see what symptoms they might cause. Knowledge is power!
Estrogen and Progesterone
Estrogen plays a part in various bodily functions, including bone health and skin elasticity, while progesterone supports pregnancy and then decreases postpartum. Both these hormones experience a significant drop after birth. Here are the signs to look out for:
Mood swings: The decrease in estrogen and progesterone can contribute to a rollercoaster of emotions for you, making you feel ecstatic one moment and tearful the next. You’re not losing the plot! It’s natural after pregnancy.
Fatigue: Alongside the demands of caring for a newborn, the hormone drop can make you feel more tired than usual.
Hair loss: High estrogen levels during pregnancy reduce hair shedding and keep your hair lush. A postpartum drop in estrogen can cause noticeable hair loss, which can be distressing – but the good news is it’s typically temporary.
Irregular menstrual cycles: It’s normal for your cycle to be unpredictable as it finds its new rhythm, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Try not to worry about it, because stress affects your hormones too!
Thyroid Hormones
Postpartum thyroiditis may occur and lead you to have fluctuating thyroid hormone levels that contribute to tiredness and emotional changes, mirroring those symptoms of estrogen and progesterone imbalance.
Hormones and Nursing After Pregnancy
Nursing your baby is not just a beautiful way to bond but also plays a role in your hormonal balance postpartum. Breastfeeding triggers the release of several hormones, and understanding their role will point to strategies for you to help balance hormones after pregnancy.
Prolactin
Prolactin levels increase throughout pregnancy and each time you nurse, maintaining your milk supply. It also has a calming effect, enhances maternal behaviors, and strengthens the emotional bonding with your baby.
If you’re breastfeeding, prolactin remains elevated and can influence other hormones. You may have a delayed return of regular menstrual cycles, and some women even experience amenorrhea (absence of periods) while nursing. However, this effect, while serving as a natural contraception method, is not foolproof! Ovulation may resume unpredictably. You should still take precautions to avoid a further pregnancy until you’re ready.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” facilitates milk flow by contracting your milk ducts. Beyond its role in lactation, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, helping your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and reducing postpartum bleeding. The surge of oxytocin also strengthens the bond between you and the baby and supports your well-being by reducing stress and fostering a sense of calm.
However, if you’re not nursing, expect your oxytocin levels to return to normal within a couple of weeks. Likewise, when you start to wean, both prolactin and oxytocin levels will revert to normal
Balancing your Hormones After Pregnancy Naturally
Diet plays a central role in supporting recovery, so we recommend a nutrient-rich diet to help you balance hormones after pregnancy. Discuss with your healthcare provider if there are foods to avoid while breastfeeding, but in general these are healthy:
- Complex carbohydrates (whole grains, legumes) help stabilize blood sugar levels, indirectly supporting hormonal balance.
- High-quality proteins (lean meats, beans, nuts, seeds) are essential for hormone production and repair of body tissues.
- Healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts) support cellular function and hormone production.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel) support hormonal health, reduce inflammation, enhance brain function, and promote overall well-being.
- Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and hormonal balance. Sun exposure and dietary sources (like fortified foods) contribute to vitamin D intake.
- Magnesium (leafy greens, nuts, seeds) is a mineral that supports hundreds of reactions in your body, including hormone regulation.
- Probiotics (yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables) support a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn supports hormone regulation.
Incorporating supplements to balance hormones after pregnancy, such as vitamin D, Magnesium, and Omega-3, can give you a much-needed boost if you cannot get the amounts you need through diet and lifestyle. Before taking any supplements, make sure to discuss them with your doctor, whether you are breastfeeding or not.
When Do Your Hormones Stabilize After Pregnancy?
The timeline varies for each woman, but generally, it takes a few months for hormones to stabilize. After around six months, most women experience more stable hormone levels, with your body adapting to the demands of motherhood and hormonal fluctuations becoming less pronounced.
During these months, here are some ideas to help:
Track Your Menstrual Cycle
Returning to a regular menstrual cycle is often a sign that your hormones are starting to stabilize. Keep note of the frequency, duration, and any symptoms of your periods. Irregularities can be normal in the beginning, but tracking them can help identify patterns or issues that might need attention.
Symptom Journaling
Maintain a journal of symptoms that could indicate hormonal fluctuations, such as mood changes, energy levels, sleep quality, and skin condition. This will help you recognize patterns over time and provide concrete data to discuss with your doctor.
Consultations with Healthcare Providers
Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to discuss your progress. These sessions can be invaluable for getting professional insights into your hormonal health, adjusting any necessary treatment plans, and getting reassurance or advice on the next steps.
By monitoring your progress, you gain insights into the effectiveness of your efforts to balance hormones after pregnancy. However, don’t despair if things are not improving.
BioTe Hormone Therapy to Help Balance Hormones After Pregnancy
At Stella Mattina, we understand that hormones are vital for your overall health and well-being and that any hormone imbalance can impact your body functions and quality of life. If after a few months your hormones are not getting back into balance, please don’t worry! Our women’s healthcare specialists understand the hormonal changes you’re going through after delivery of your baby. We can do a comprehensive hormone assessment and personalize a treatment for you with BioTe bioidentical hormone pellets to match your exact and unique needs.
So, to ensure you really enjoy these first months with your newborn, contact us today to find a doctor near you and let’s talk!
Dr. Krum is currently in practice in Arlington, TX. He received his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University, then attended UTMB Galveston for medical school, finishing in 1986, completing his residency there in 1990. Providing a full range of obstetrical and gynecological care, he specializes in the treatment of endometriosis and robotic surgery. He arranges his schedule so that same-day appointments are usually available.