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What Happens to Your Hormones in the Post-delivery Phase?
Your body produces huge amounts of oestrogen and progesterone once you conceive. This amount sometimes exceeds 100 times the usual amount. These hormones prepare your body to give birth because they build up and maintain your placenta to nourish the foetus.
Once your baby and placenta are delivered, your hormone-producing source, i.e. the placenta, is gone. The oestrogen levels plummet dramatically within 24 to 48 hours, returning to pre-pregnancy levels or even lower.
This sudden hormonal dip is your body's way of resting after nine months of pregnancy, which can overwhelm you at times.
Why Does Oestrogen Level Drop All of a Sudden?
There are multiple key reasons oestrogen levels fall quickly after giving birth:
- The placenta is a major hormone factory during pregnancy. Once it's released, your body immediately loses that hormonal support system.
- Your body starts focusing on prolactin, the hormone behind breast milk production after birth. High prolactin levels naturally suppress oestrogen and progesterone to help your milk flow.
- After delivery, your endocrine system recalibrates. It reduces pregnancy hormones while preparing for the post-delivery phase, including breastfeeding and recovery.
How Does Low Oestrogen Impact Your Emotional and Physical Health?
A sudden drop in oestrogen impacts nearly every part of your body. Some changes are short-term, while others may last longer.
1. Mood Swings
You may feel extremely low, cry frequently, or become nervous for no apparent reason. These feelings are linked to low oestrogen levels that affect serotonin (the "feel-good" chemical in the brain). Around 70% to 80% of new mothers experience subtle mood swings known as the baby blues, which become normal within two weeks.2. Vaginal discomfort or dryness
Low oestrogen means your vaginal tissues aren’t as elastic or naturally lubricated as they used to be. This can lead to irritation, discomfort, or dryness during intimate moments. This is especially common in breastfeeding mothers since oestrogen levels stay low for a prolonged time.3. Hot flashes and night sweats
You may experience sudden temperature fluctuations, warmth, or sweating similar to menopause symptoms. With a balance of hormonal levels, these gradually ease.4. Hair loss and skin changes
High oestrogen helps your skin glow and keeps your hair thick during pregnancy. Once it drops, you may notice hair shedding, especially after 3 or 4 months, or dry skin, which are temporary effects.5. Lack of sleep or tiredness
Hormonal changes, combined with newborn care, can leave you feeling fatigued. Oestrogen levels can disrupt your sleep pattern and energy, which is why rest and nutrition become even more important now.How Can You Deal with These Hormonal Changes?
The drops in oestrogen cannot be prevented, but you can cope with the changes by adjusting your lifestyle and handling things accordingly.
- Sleep helps your body heal. Try to nap when your baby sleeps, even half an hour of nap makes an impact.
- Keep healthy fats, leafy greens, and whole grains in your diet. These help your body rebuild hormonal balance naturally.
- Lack of hydration in your body can make you feel irritated or worn out. Try to get about 8 to 10 glasses of water each day, especially if you're breastfeeding.
- Easy things like stretching, walking, or postnatal yoga can make you feel better and help your hormones get back to normal.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
You must reach out to your doctor if:
- Your sadness or anxiety continues beyond two weeks
- You find it hard to bond with your baby and lose interest in things that used to make you happy
- You experience continuous vaginal discomfort and severe night sweats
What’s the Further Measure?
- Recovery takes time; be patient with your body
- Eat wholesome meals and stay hydrated
- Rest as much as possible
- Directly communicate with your doctor about your emotional and physical symptoms
- Attend all the postpartum follow-ups
- Be kind to yourself. Healing is a journey that encompasses both physical and emotional aspects.
Social & Emotional Aspects
Hormonal changes after birth can make you feel unlike yourself. You may feel stressed, cry frequently, or worry about being the perfect mother. Remember, this isn't your fault. Your body goes through unimaginable changes after birth.
Talking to your friends or partner about how you feel can really help you heal. Many new mothers find relief from loneliness when they join support groups. Getting rest, reassurance, and being kind to yourself are all essential for recovery.
After having a baby, your oestrogen levels drop sharply because your body is going through a transformation from pregnancy to maternity journey. While the changes can be overwhelming, they are natural and temporary. Understanding why they happen helps you handle these emotional and physical rollercoasters with ease.
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 Oestrogen Drops Suddenly After Birth
- What makes me emotionally overwhelmed after giving birth?
Your oestrogen and progesterone levels see a sharp drop after your baby is born, and that messes with your brain chemicals. This leads to unusual mood swings, also known as the baby blues. Don’t worry, it usually calms down in a week or two. - Can low oestrogen cause fatigue post-delivery?
Yes. Low oestrogen levels can affect energy levels and sleep quality, often leaving you feeling fatigued. Rest, nutrition, and hydration help. - Is there any natural way to increase my oestrogen level after giving birth?
Yes. Maintain low stress levels, eat nutritious food, and engage in gentle activities to support natural hormone balance. If things don’t improve, consult your doctor before trying anything new, such as treatments or supplements.
