While the causes for postpartum depression are currently unknown, the symptoms that are associated with this trouble are directly tied to hormonal changes. The female hormones progesterone and estrogen are believed to be responsible for the postpartum depression. During pregnancy, the amount of these hormones increases greatly and then suddenly drops after the woman has given birth. The process is similar to the PMS (Premenstrual syndrome), when small changes in hormone levels can affect the woman’s moods.
Thyroid may also be an important factor in triggering postpartum depression. The thyroid is a secretor that regulates how the body uses the energy from eaten food. A low thyroid level can cause postpartum depression symptoms such as depression, fatigue, insomnia and anxiety. Unlike other postpartum depression causes, the thyroid factor can be easily revealed and treated with medication from a health care provider.
Other things can contribute to postpartum depression, such as:
* Feeling fatigue after given birth and not having adequate”sleep may keep the new mother from getting back on her feet for weeks to come. This is more so if the mother has had a C-section delivery.
* questioning that she will be a good mother to your baby and feeling overwhelmed with the task.
* The amount of stress collected from the changes that take place in the mother’s life. Changes in work and in home routines may lead mothers to believe they have to be “super moms” to handle it all.
* Having to cope with the loss of identity (who the mother was before the baby was born), loss of control over her life, of a slim silhouette and feeling less attractive.
* Having much less time for herself or time to spend with the baby’s father and having to stay inside for long periods of time.