Why the Body Needs Time to Rebalance Progesterone After Birth

BySamradni Pradhan
Updated: 18 Dec 2025, 1:00 pm

Your body goes through major hormonal changes after childbirth. Several hormonal levels may go down after you deliver the baby that supported the pregnancy. However, the dip in progesterone levels may affect your physical and emotional changes. Your body may also take some time to rebalance its levels. You can support your body during this time as it navigates the hormonal changes, helping you recover in the postpartum period.

Pregatips
Your life’s most profound experience may be childbirth, but it is not an easy one. As the excitement of birth dulls over, your body begins to restore its hormones after reaching their all-time high levels. Progesterone is the most vital among the many that may affect your emotional well-being.
In this article:
You may feel tired or experience mood swings after birth, which shows that your body is adjusting to another hormonal change. You can take care of your body to help it recover faster after learning what goes on the inside during the postpartum period.


What Does Progesterone Do During Pregnancy?


Progesterone supports your pregnancy in multiple ways, which has earned it the name “pregnancy hormone” in the process.

  • It creates a favourable environment in your uterus for a healthy pregnancy
  • It maintains the uterine lining so your baby can grow safely
  • It supports the development of the milk ducts in your breasts
  • It relaxes your muscles and ligaments to help your body stretch
  • It keeps your mood stable by calming the nervous system
Pregnancy can make your progesterone levels reach ten times higher than the pre-pregnancy levels. The surge is essential to support your growing baby, which drops suddenly after you give birth.


What Happens to Progesterone After You Give Birth?


The placenta is responsible for producing progesterone in the later stages of pregnancy. After the delivery of your baby and the placenta, the levels dip abruptly because the main source disappears.

Your progesterone levels fall to nearly pre-pregnancy levels within 24 hours after delivery. This rapid drop leads to several physical and emotional changes.

  • Mood swings or emotional sensitivity
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Breast tenderness
  • Irregular sleep patterns
  • Skin or hair changes


Why Does the Body Need Time to Rebalance?


Your body may take time to return to its normal function. Several outside factors can affect the timing of your progesterone levels to become stable again.

  • Your body produces more prolactin for milk production to help you breastfeed. High prolactin can suppress the release of progesterone.
  • Your hormones will not regulate without proper rest, anxiety, and physical recovery demands.
  • Low levels of vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc can make it harder for your body to produce hormones.
  • Your hormonal balance may return within weeks or take several months, so do not compare your recovery with others.


How Can Low Progesterone Affect You Emotionally and Physically?


You may notice prominent symptoms during the recovery phase.

  • Mood changes such as sadness, anxiety, or irritability
  • Cannot sleep even when your baby is resting
  • Feeling easily overwhelmed or tearful
  • Menstrual irregularities once your periods resume
  • Fatigue and low motivation
Low progesterone and other hormone changes can lead to postpartum depression (PPD) in some cases. This does not mean something is wrong with you. It simply means your body is going through a significant transition.


What Can You Do to Support Hormonal Rebalance Naturally?


You can take control of your health by taking the following steps for recovery:

  • Your hormones recover better when you sleep. Take short naps while your baby sleeps.
  • You can support hormone production by eating foods rich in vitamin B6, magnesium, and omega-3 fats.
  • Dehydration can worsen your condition and hormonal imbalance. So, aim for 8–10 glasses of water and also drink other fluids daily.
  • Practice deep breathing, light yoga, or short walks just for 10 minutes to regulate your hormones.
  • Let others assist you, whether it’s your partner, family, or friends. It reduces emotional stress and allows your body to heal.


When Should You Talk to a Doctor?


  • If you feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for more than two weeks postpartum
  • In case of severe mood swings or if you find it hard to bond with your baby
  • If your bleeding is irregular or heavy after six weeks
  • If you have extreme fatigue despite rest
  • If you notice dizziness or palpitations


What To Do Next: A Simple Checklist?


  • Do not miss any opportunity to take a rest
  • Eat balanced meals rich in whole foods
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day
  • Keep up with your postpartum checkups
  • Discuss emotional changes with your partner or doctor


The Emotional and Social Side of Hormone Rebalance


Your postpartum journey can feel emotionally draining without proper support and care. Feeling “off balance” or tearful does not mean you are failing in any way. Sharing your experiences with your partner allows them to help you better. Ask for help from your family so that you do not have to do everything alone.

Your body undergoes another round of significant hormonal changes after giving birth. The drop in progesterone is natural, but it also brings emotional and physical challenges. You can support your hormone balance by being patient, caring for your body, and going to all your postpartum appointments. Healing is never quick, so allow yourself to rest and embrace motherhood with positivity.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Why the Body Needs Time to Rebalance Progesterone After Birth?

  1. How long does it take for hormones to balance after giving birth?
    Hormones return to their normal levels within 6 to 12 weeks after giving birth in most cases. If you are breastfeeding, it can take several months for progesterone and oestrogen to return to original levels.
  2. Can low progesterone cause mood swings after delivery?
    You may experience mood changes, anxiety or mild postpartum blues due to a drop in progesterone. You will feel better after the hormones stabilise.
  3. How can I tell if my hormones are out of balance?
    You may continue to feel fatigue, mood swings, irregular bleeding or find it difficult to sleep even after a few weeks postpartum. Visit your doctor if it starts affecting your daily routine.
Medically Reviewed By:
Medically approved by Dr Aruna Kalra, Director, Obstetrics & Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram