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The hormonal environment of post-natal depression
1Department of Psychological Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
Summary
Postnatal depression affects many mothers, with hormone levels changing after birth. Salivary progesterone and prolactin levels correlate with depression, suggesting different treatments for breast-feeding and bottle-feeding mothers.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Perinatal Psychiatry
Background:
- Postnatal depression (PND) is a significant concern.
- Significant hormonal shifts, including steroids and prolactin, occur postpartum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate correlations between hormonal profiles and PND.
- To explore potential differences in PND etiology based on infant feeding method.
Main Methods:
- 147 mothers completed psychological assessments (Edinburgh, Montgomery-Asberg, Raskin scales).
- Plasma and saliva samples were analyzed for cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin.
Main Results:
- 14.9% of mothers met criteria for depression on all scales.
- Salivary progesterone and prolactin showed significant correlations with depression ratings.
- Progesterone-depression association differed between bottle-feeders (positive) and breast-feeders (negative).
- Depressed breast-feeding mothers had inappropriately low plasma prolactin.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal factors, particularly salivary progesterone and prolactin, are linked to PND.
- Infant feeding method influences the relationship between hormones and PND.
- Tailored therapeutic approaches for PND may be necessary for breast-feeding versus bottle-feeding mothers.