What is a hormonal imbalance?

Hormones are the chemical messengers of your body that send out specific instructions to every organ. Hormones are responsible for everything your body does, and can influence your energy levels, weight, digestion, and mood. Since hormones regulate your metabolism and other organ functions, a hormonal imbalance challenges those functions. This can lead to a cascade of health problems and uncomfortable symptoms. Hormonal imbalance occurs when certain hormones are either chronically too high or too low. When it comes to hormone levels, balance is key. Poor diet or nutrient deficiencies Stress Gut dysfunction (microbiome imbalances, increased gut permeability) Environmental toxins Mold exposure Chronic inflammation Methylation impairments Everyone’s biochemistry is unique, so what triggers a hormonal imbalance for you might not for another person. Also, because all the systems in the body are interconnected, if you have one hormonal imbalance, you might have other ones as well. For example, if one hormone isn’t getting the correct message across it can throw off the rest of the body’s delicate communication system between other hormones.

How do I know if I have Hormonal Imbalance After Pregnancy?

Since everyone’s biochemistry is different, your particular postpartum hormones and symptoms can vary and are influenced by your gut health, stress levels, diet, genetics, delivery method, and whether or not you breastfeed. Some of the most common signs of hormone imbalance after pregnancy can include: Anxiety Chronic fatigue Cysts or fibroids Depression Hair loss Low libido Mood swings Weight gain/weight loss resistance

How long does it take for hormones to balance after pregnancy?

Your body is brilliantly designed and hormones generally rebalance themselves over time - approximately at the 6 month mark - but it is not uncommon for hormones to take anywhere between 12-24 months after birth to go back to where they were before pregnancy. However, if your symptoms don’t start to improve at all after 6 months or your symptoms continue to get worse, it is important to talk with your doctor to rule out postpartum depression. Symptoms of this go above and beyond general symptoms of a hormone imbalance such as: Feeling hopeless Constant urge to cry Memory loss Poor concentration Panic attacks Insomnia Decreased appetite Loss of interest or connection with your newborn Your doctor will also be able to rule out any underlying hormone problems or gut dysfunctions that are contributing to your hormone imbalance in order to put together a plan of action to address your symptoms.

Feeling Off Postpartum? Here’s How To Balance Hormones After Pregnancy

While postpartum has its fair share of joyous moments (especially the endorphin high near the end of birth), it can also come with very real lows, including postpartum hormone imbalances.

Hormones are your body's chemical messengers, responsible for regulating your metabolism, mood, energy levels, and more. When these hormones are out of balance, it can lead to a cascade of health problems and uncomfortable symptoms.

But instead of relinquishing yourself to feeling unwell, you can take back control of your health and reclaim this special time in your life. Read on to learn more about the signs of hormone imbalance after pregnancy and the steps I often recommend to my telehealth patients to rebalance hormones.

Changes To Hormones After Pregnancy

Women experience significant hormonal changes during pregnancy that support the baby's development and well-being. After birth, these hormone levels shift dramatically.

For instance, the placenta produces high levels of progesterone needed for a healthy pregnancy. After childbirth, the sudden drop in progesterone can lead to an increase in estrogen levels, causing a hormonal imbalance known as estrogen dominance. (1)

This imbalance can affect other hormones like thyroid and cortisol, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, depression, low libido, and weight gain. (2, 3)

Which Hormones Are Involved?

During pregnancy and postpartum, several hormones take center stage and play an essential role in you and your newborn's lives (4):

Progesterone: Supports fetal development and prepares the endometrium, preventing premature labor. Progesterone levels drop significantly after the placenta is delivered, leading to potential mood swings and postpartum depression. (5)
Estrogen: During pregnancy, estrogen levels increase to support the growth of the fetus, maintain the pregnancy, and prepare the body for childbirth. Estrogen drops dramatically post-delivery, which can cause hot flashes, postpartum anxiety, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. (6)
Prolactin: Increases during the final trimester of pregnancy to support milk production, influencing mood and delaying the return of the menstrual cycle. Prolactin levels remain the most elevated during the first 6 weeks postpartum. (7)
Oxytocin: This hormone is released during sex, jump-starts uterine contractions during labor, and helps form the initial bond between mother and baby. (8) The saying goes, “The way the baby got in is the way the baby is going to get out.” Oxytocin is the way.
Relaxin: During pregnancy, relaxin helps soften the cervix and loosen the pelvic ligaments to prepare for delivery. The drop in relaxin postpartum allows the ligaments and joints to return to their pre-pregnancy state, helping regain stability gradually. (9)
Cortisol: Cortisol levels fluctuate during pregnancy and postpartum due to stress and lack of sleep, impacting mood and energy levels. After all, cortisol is called the “stress hormone,” and birth is stressful.
Thyroid: During pregnancy, thyroid hormone levels increase to support the mother's and baby's metabolism. These levels can fluctuate postpartum, potentially causing a condition called postpartum thyroiditis, with symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and weight changes. (10)
Vasopressin: Helps regulate water balance and blood pressure, but its role postpartum is less pronounced than other hormones.

Signs Of Postpartum Hormonal Imbalance

Postpartum hormone imbalance can manifest in various ways, like a rollercoaster, and symptoms can vary based on individual biochemistry, gut health, stress levels, diet, genetics, delivery method, and breastfeeding status. Common signs include:

Anxiety
Chronic fatigue
Cysts or fibroids
Emotional reactivity
Depression
Hair loss
Acne
Low libido
Mood swings
Constipation or diarrhea
Weight gain or resistance to weight loss

Everyone’s biochemistry is unique, so what triggers a hormonal imbalance in you might not in another person. Additionally, if one hormone is imbalanced, it can affect the hormonal communication system, leading to multiple imbalances.

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How To Get Balanced Again

Balancing your hormones postpartum requires time and strategies tailored to your body's needs. Here is a general timeline and key strategies to help you on this journey:

How Long Does It Take?

Hormone shifts may not be regulated until 6 months postpartum (11). However, to be clear, the process commonly takes place between 6 and 24 months.

Suppose symptoms persist beyond 6 months or mental health worsens. In that case, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare provider to get your hormones tested and to rule out postpartum depression (1 in 7 women experience PPD) and other underlying issues. (11)

Every woman's body is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all timeline. However, here is a very generalized example timeline of what some breastfeeding women may expect as their hormones balance during the postpartum period:

1 month: Initial hormonal fluctuations, including drops in progesterone and estrogen, which can contribute to the "baby blues."
2 months: Prolactin levels remaining elevated to support milk production; potential mood swings and fatigue.
3 months: Hormone levels, such as estrogen and progesterone, may stabilize; some women might begin to feel more like themselves.
4 months: Prolactin remains elevated if breastfeeding, which can delay the return of the menstrual cycle and continue to influence mood and energy levels.
5 months: Thyroid function might be more noticeable, with some women experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
6 months: Many women see significant improvements in hormonal balance; if symptoms persist, it's a good time to consult a healthcare provider.
7-9 months: Hormone levels stabilize continually; some women may notice a return of their menstrual cycle, especially if breastfeeding frequency decreases.
10-12 months: By this time, most women's hormone levels are closer to pre-pregnancy levels, though individual variations are common. Continued focus on balanced nutrition and self-care is vital for women’s health.

The Best Strategies

To help rebalance your hormones after pregnancy, consider incorporating these effective strategies into your daily routine:

Eat Enough Healthy Fats: Healthy fats are essential for brain function and are the building blocks of hormones. Include mood-boosting foods like wild-caught salmon, avocados, coconut oil, and hemp seeds.
Support Your Liver: The liver breaks down excess estrogen, but toxin overload and inflammation can hinder its function. Herbs like milk thistle can help restore liver cells and improve function.
Eat More: Focus on clean, whole foods rather than restricting your diet to "bounce back." Proper nutrition is vital for hormone production and overall health.
Focus on Sleep: Aim for restorative sleep whenever possible. Create a nighttime routine to help your mind fall asleep quickly and deeply, considering practices like shutting off electronics, using aromatherapy, and employing blackout shades.
Supplement as Needed: Nutrient deficiencies can contribute to hormone imbalances. Consult your doctor to check your nutrient levels and recommend supplements like melatonin for sleep and tryptophan to raise serotonin levels. (12)
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for hormone health and breast milk production. Keep a water bottle handy and drink throughout the day.

LISTEN: Dr. Nicole Sparks: Pregnancy & Postpartum Pro-Tips + The Powers Of Witch Hazel

Consulting A Functional Medicine Doctor

In functional medicine, we understand that many underlying factors can contribute to hormone imbalances. While your hormone changes may have started after you gave birth, they might have just revealed areas that needed to be addressed even before you became pregnant.

In my telehealth clinic, we can take a comprehensive look at your health to determine which areas — gut problems, diet, toxin exposure, stress levels, and more — are inhibiting your hormones from returning to normal after pregnancy.

If you are struggling with any of these symptoms of a hormone imbalance and want to rebalance your hormones naturally, schedule a telehealth consultation to learn more about how we can help you using functional medicine.

As one of the first functional medicine telehealth clinics in the world, we provide webcam health consultations for people around the globe.

FAQs

What are the biggest hormonal changes after birth?

After birth, the biggest hormonal changes include a dramatic drop in progesterone and estrogen levels and an increase in prolactin and oxytocin to support milk production and bonding with the baby.

What do hormones have to do with weight loss for moms?

Hormones like cortisol, thyroid hormones, and insulin play major roles in metabolism and weight regulation. It’s normal to experience postpartum weight gain or have more difficulty dropping weight after pregnancy, although breastfeeding can also support a return to your pre-pregnancy weight.

How does breastfeeding affect postpartum hormones?

Breastfeeding affects hormone levels by maintaining higher levels of prolactin and oxytocin, which can alter hormone balance and delay the return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.

How can I regulate my hormones naturally after pregnancy?

To regulate hormones naturally after pregnancy, focus on a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, support liver function, ensure adequate sleep, stay hydrated, manage stress, and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen after giving birth?

Symptoms of low estrogen after giving birth can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and difficulty with memory or concentration.

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Sources

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

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BY DR. WILL COLE

Evidence-based reviewed article

Dr. Will Cole, DNM, IFMCP, DC is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is also the host of the popular The Art of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian, Gut Feelings, and The Inflammation Spectrum.

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