Postpartum

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Common Causes of Postpartum Depression

To give you an idea of some of the possible underlying causes that can contribute to postpartum depression, take a look at this list:

• Hypothyroidism and Autoimmune Thyroiditis 
• Low Progesterone 
• Low Pregnenolone 
• Low Estrogen 
• Low Oxytocin 
• Copper Excess 
• Zinc Deficiency 
• Selenium Deficiency 
• Low Vitamin D 
• Low Omega 3s 
• Low B Vitamins, Especially Folate and B12 
• Toxins, Especially Bisphenols and Phthalates 

The Thyroid-Postpartum Depression Connection 

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and overall mental well-being. During pregnancy and postpartum, hormonal fluctuations can strain the thyroid’s function. Since thyroid hormones are critical to brain function and mood regulation, thyroid dysfunction can be a major cause of postpartum depression.   

Postpartum depression has been associated with low levels of T3, the active form of thyroid hormone. Studies have shown that optimizing even mildly low thyroid function can significantly improve postpartum depression. We have found that using T3 either alone or with levothyroxine, can significantly help many women. The rationale behind this lies in the fact that T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone and could potentially provide more immediate mood-regulating effects than the inactive form, T4.  

It is noteworthy that women with autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have significantly more postpartum depression.  Not only is autoimmune thyroiditis common in women, but it is often exacerbated during pregnancy and postpartum.   

Progesterone Decline and Postpartum Depression

Progesterone is named for its role as the pregnancy hormone, i.e. pro-gestation. Progesterone is crucial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Women typically love progesterone, as it exerts a wonderful calming and mood-controlling effect on the brain, in part through its interaction with the GABA receptors.

During pregnancy, progesterone levels rise ten-fold, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. However, after childbirth, progesterone levels plummet, potentially leaving the brain more susceptible to mood disturbances. It is not just progesterone which helps relieve these symptoms, but also a natural metabolite of progesterone, allopregnanolone, which has been shown to improve mood. Allopregnanolone is a neuroactive derivative of progesterone and wonderfully modulates GABA.

Treatment of Postpartum Depression

The mainstays of conventional therapy have been antidepressants that come with many negative side effects, cognitive behavioral therapy, and even electroconvulsive therapy or ECT for resistant cases. These treatments do not solve the underlying cause of postpartum health symptoms.  

At the Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we take a natural, holistic approach to treating postpartum symptoms by addressing the root cause. We help women find relief by addressing a healthy lifestyle, optimizing thyroid and sex hormones, especially progesterone, and replenishing and balancing critical nutrients.  

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Are you ready to get your life back? You deserve to feel your best so you can enjoy motherhood!

If you are experiencing postpartum depression and other postpartum symptoms and want to learn more about our Postpartum Treatment, please contact our Wellness Consultants today for a complimentary wellness consultation at 281-698-8698. It will be our privilege to serve you.