As pelvic floor therapists, one of the top populations that we treat are postpartum women. Often, we hear women describe that they feel “off” or that there is something “not right” with their hormone levels. We reached out to Megan Naroznowski, Integrative Health Practitioner from Infinite Wellness to answer some of our top questions! (To learn more about Megan, click here)

What hormone levels change during pregnancy?

Megan: Pregnancy is a complex and transformative process that involves a multitude of hormonal changes to help support the growth and development of the fetus as well as the overall well-being of the mother. These hormonal changes are essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and preparing the body for childbirth and lactation. 

Below are some of the critical hormones and their roles throughout pregnancy:

• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): This hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation, the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. It also helps maintain the corpus luteum, which helps to produce progesterone during the early stages of pregnancy to support the uterine lining and prevent menstruation. 

• Progesterone: This hormone is produced by the corpus luteum in the early stages of pregnancy and then later by the placenta. Progesterone helps to maintain the uterine lining, prevents contraction of the uterus, and supports the development of the placenta.

• Estrogen: During pregnancy, estrogen rises significantly. It helps to stimulate fetal development and is essential for the growth of the placenta and mammary glands in preparation for breastfeeding. 

• Prolactin: This hormone is responsible for milk production and increases throughout pregnancy to prepare the body for breastfeeding.

• Oxytocin: This hormone is commonly associated with labor and breastfeeding; its levels increase throughout pregnancy. It also plays a role in uterine contractions during labor and stimulates milk ejection during breastfeeding. 

• Cortisol: Naturally, cortisol levels rise during pregnancy. This particular hormone is involved in various processes, including regulating blood pressure, blood sugar, and the immune system. 

• Thyroid Hormone: The thyroid gland becomes more active during pregnancy to support the increased metabolic needs of the mother and developing fetus. 

• Insulin and Glucagon: Some hormones that are related to blood sugar regulation are also impacted during pregnancy; their function is to ensure a blood sugar level for both the mother and the baby. 

• Melatonin: In addition, changes in melatonin levels can affect a pregnant woman’s sleep-wake cycle.

• Relaxin: This is another hormone produced by the corpus luteum and then later by the placenta. Its primary function is to relax the uterine muscles, preventing contractions during early pregnancy. It also has the ability to relax the pelvic ligaments in preparation for childbirth. 

• Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): This specific is produced by the placenta and plays a role in helping regulate the mother’s glucose and fatty acid levels, ensuring that the fetus receives an adequate energy supply.

Understanding these hormonal changes but also supporting overall well-being through nutrition, stress management, exercise, emotional support, and other complementary therapies is the guide for a holistic approach to pregnancy.

What changes immediately happen to a postpartum mother’s hormone levels?

Megan: After giving birth, a mother’s hormone levels undergo many changes as her body transitions from pregnancy to the postpartum period. These hormonal shifts are essential for many processes, including uterine contraction, milk production, as well as emotional bonding with the baby. 

Let’s learn about a few key hormone changes that occur immediately after childbirth:

• Oxytocin: These levels surge during and after labor and promote uterine contractions, which help expel the placenta and reduce postpartum bleeding. This hormone also plays a crucial role in bonding between the mother and the baby, often referred to as the “love/bonding hormone.”

• Prolactin: As we learned earlier, this hormone has increased throughout pregnancy and continues to rise after childbirth. It is also responsible for milk production. In the days following birth, a mother’s body begins producing colostrum, a nutrient-rich, anti-body pack substance that is the baby’s first food. 

• Estrogen and Progesterone: These levels drop significantly after childbirth. These hormones were at their highest levels during pregnancy, and their decline triggers changes in the body that allow it to recover and return to a non-pregnant state. 

• Cortisol: Cortisol levels, which rose during pregnancy, start to decrease in postpartum. This helps the body to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar more effectively. 

• Thyroid Hormones: You might remember that during pregnancy, thyroid hormone levels were elevated; after pregnancy, they might return to normal levels. However, some women may experience thyroid-related changes after childbirth, which is why functional testing could be beneficial. 

• Endorphins: To help the mother cope with the physical and emotional demands of labor and recovery, these “feel-good” hormones may increase postpartum.

• Melatonin: These levels can be affected by postpartum hormonal changes, which can impact sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. 

It is important to note that these hormonal changes are a part of the natural process of returning the mother’s body to a non-pregnant state and preparing for breastfeeding and infant care. It is also important to note that every woman’s experience can be different, and seeking out help can be extremely valuable. 

When will hormone levels go back to normal after pregnancy?

Megan: When understanding hormone levels, it is important to consider different physical, emotional, and lifestyle aspects, all of which can impact this process. The timeline for “normal” can vary for each individual; a holistic approach to postpartum focuses on supporting the body’s natural processes toward a normal level. This is highly dependent on imbalances that the mother has had throughout her entire life.

Note that high-stress levels, sleep deprivation, and emotional adjustments after childbirth can impact hormone regulation. Therefore, a balanced diet, managing stress, practicing self-care, undergoing functional medicine labs, utilizing supplementation, and seeking emotional support can be vital for hormone balance in postpartum.

Do hormone levels ever “go back to normal,” or are they changed forever? 

Megan: Through each stage of a woman’s life, there are necessary hormone fluctuations. Since we are all bio-individual human beings, much of our hormone levels can be impacted by the lifestyle that we live as well as our genetics. Just a note: your genetics are made more prominent when the environment allows them to be. This means that if you are living in an environment that is stressful and your body receives that perceived stress, it will respond accordingly and, unfortunately, be unable to keep up with trying to keep the rest of the body back into balance. 

When looking at your hormones and your health, it is best to look at things from an optimal mindset. This means consider reverting your attention to “Is my body in an optimal state?” The truth is that your “normal” has shifted and will continue to shift as you continue to grow. 

The best way to assess if your body is in an optimal state is through functional medicine tests and working with a practitioner to read your bloodwork from a functional perspective. 

If those ranges are off, there are supplementation, lifestyle, nutrition, and other changes that you can consider making to bring your body back to optimal health. 

Why do women complain about feeling like their thyroid levels change postpartum? 

If you feel like your thyroid levels have changed after having a child, these could be some reasons why:

• Hormonal Fluctuations: The postpartum period is marked by significant hormonal changes as estrogen and progesterone levels drop. These fluctuations can affect the thyroid gland’s function and contribute to changes in thyroid hormone levels.

• Postpartum Stress: The postpartum period can be a time of heightened stress and sleep disruption. Chronic stress and inadequate sleep can impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, which regulates thyroid hormones, potentially leading to imbalances. 

• Nutritional Factors: Nutrition plays a critical role in thyroid health. The demands of pregnancy, as well as breastfeeding, can deplete certain nutrients, like iodine and selenium, which are essential for thyroid function. 

• Note: please do not take these nutrients in isolation without consulting with a practitioner first. 

• Lifestyle Factors: Physical activity changes, such as reduced exercise postpartum, can impact metabolism and thyroid function. Additionally, exposure to toxins can also affect the thyroid as well. 

• Breastfeeding: For those who are breastfeeding, the demands of lactation can influence thyroid function. The body is prioritizing milk production, which can affect other systems of the body, including the thyroid. 

The most important thing to consider is that thyroid hormones are responsible for countless amounts of actions within the body. There are receptors for thyroid hormones on virtually every cell in the body. Because thyroid hormones assist in so many day-to-day functions when we are in a season of postpartum that can be stressful, many can feel like their thyroid markers are out of balance. However, please know that you have the ability to rebalance and look deeper to understand WHY your thyroid is working harder. When you find the root cause of it, you can begin to make the appropriate changes with your practitioner. 

Do hormone levels change during nursing?

Megan: In short, yes, they do. Many of these hormones help to stimulate milk production, support location, as well as bond with your baby emotionally.

Can you still try to conceive while nursing?

Megan: It is possible to conceive while nursing, however, it is important to ensure that you are making the best decision for your health and the health of your baby, so please speak with your healthcare provider about what makes the most sense for you and your case. 

These are some considerations to keep in mind as you are talking with your practitioner:

• Nutrition Intake: It’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet that provides sufficient nutrients for both breastfeeding and pregnancy.

• Emotional Well-Being: Ensure that you have a support team around you to help you on the days that feel emotionally and physically demanding. 

• Hormonal Changes: Note that hormonal fluctuations that are associated with breastfeeding can impact your menstrual cycle and fertility. Work with a practitioner to understand the delicate balance of breastfeeding and conception to optimize both physical and emotional health during this transition. 

Entering this season can be a complicated one, but know that with the right resources and guidance, you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.  

Thank you so much to Megan for these detailed answers! To find out more about Megan and Infinite Wellness, click here!