Progesterone and Postpartum Depression

Could progesterone be a key player in your postpartum mood?

In functional medicine, we know there is rarely 1 THING causing your symptoms- it’s important to look at the bigger picture.

And, there needs to be much more research that looks at the relationship between low progesterone and postnatal mood disorders.

However, in my functional medicine practice and even in conventional practices, hormonal treatment for PPD is becoming more mainstream.

In fact, in March of 2019 the FDA cleared the first drug to be specifically approved for postpartum depression called Brexanolone (allopregnanolone), which is a natural metabolite of progesterone. This is only available via continuous IV for 60 hours, so it isn’t always ideal, but it is definitely a step in the right direction.

Progesterone (or more specifically allopregnanolone) comes with a low side effect profile and works rapidly, whereas antidepressants like SSRIs take 4-6 weeks to take effect and have a much higher side effect profile, not to mention the weaning process is tough.

It’s important to note that bio-identical progesterone is NOT the same as the synthetic progestins found in birth control pills.

If you are experiencing ANY symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), such as postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, psychosis, and PTSD are nothing to take lightly and you should seek professional help. You aren’t alone and you don’t have to suffer!