'Maternity blues' and hormone levels in saliva

Psychological symptoms were monitored for 5 days post partum, and specimens of saliva were taken for assays of cortisol, progesterone and oestradiol. Of 40 normal primiparous mothers, the 5 who experienced most severe 'maternity blues' were matched with 5 who were symptom-free. On the day of symptoms, concentrations of progesterone and oestradiol were significantly higher in the experimental group (P less than 0.02 and less than 0.05, respectively), but mean cortisol concentrations did not differ between the groups. This pilot study has demonstrated the potential value of using a non-invasive technique (obtaining specimens of saliva) in conjunction with determinations of a predictable mood change.