There is a vast difference in your energy levels before and after pregnancy. As your body goes through various hormonal variation during pregnancy, it takes some moment for it to return back to normalcy after you have delivered the baby.
In the same time, the hormonal disturbances could result in depression, fatigue, menstrual issues and more.
Therefore It becomes significant to figure out the underlying hormonal issues and bring back the balance by changing your lifestyle and using medications prescribed by the doctor.
In this post, we are tending to tell you about the different approach to reinstating the hormonal balance in your body after post pregnancy.
What Are The Causes of Hormonal Imbalance After Pregnancy?
The immediate cause of hormonal imbalance post delivery is the variation in the levels of the female reproductive hormones called estrogen and progesterone.
These hormones are integral during the pregnancy period and post-delivery. Variation in their levels results in various physical and mental transformation in the body.
The changes, on the other hand, are for the time being and nothing to be on edge about.
What Are The Causes of Estrogen Dominance After Childbirth?
During pregnancy, the progesterone hormone is produced and monitored by the placenta to maintain a supportive environment inside the uterus.
After delivering the baby, there is a reduction in the progesterone level, which usually does not hike until the woman begins ovulating after childbirth. This, consecutively, leads to an increase in the estrogen level that results in estrogen dominance.
How Does Estrogen Dominance Affect You Post Childbirth?
Estrogen dominance leads to the following conditions:
Hypothyroidism
A hike in the estrogen level leads to an inflammation of the thyroid gland which rises up the level of thyroid-binding globulin produced by the liver, leading to Postpartum Thyroiditis.
Increased level of estrogen can lead to stress which causes a hike in the cortisol level. This further result in hypothyroidism.
Adrenal Fatigue
Estrogen dominance also leads to adrenal fatigue, where the adrenal glands cannot form adequate cortisol as needed by the body. This develops due to a decline in the progesterone level and rises in fatigue and stress.
what is more to this, you may encounter other physical and psychological transformation.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalance Post Pregnancy?
The symptoms you encounter due to hormonal imbalance post pregnancy are as follows:
- Extreme fatigue
- Weight loss
- Mood swings and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Hair loss
- Postpartum distress syndrome
- Allergies
- Hot flashes
- Decreased libido
- Acne
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Irregular periods
- Breast milk issues (breast cysts or lumps)
- Heart palpitations
- Vaginal dryness
How Can Hormonal Imbalance Result In Postpartum Depression Syndrome?
Postpartum depression is an after effect the hormonal variations happening post childbirth.
It happens in approximately 10-20% of new mothers. It can initiate at any time post delivery and can last up to one year.
The symptoms of PDS include:
- mood swings,
- irritability,
- anxiety, and
- change in appetite among others.
Still, the clinical diagnosis of Postpartum Depression Syndrome (PDS) is followed by the right antidepressant treatment can help ease the disorder.
Besides this, counseling and follow-ups with a therapist can be beneficial in helping you get rid of depression.
Apart from treatment, good food and regular workout can also aid in recovery.
How Can Hormonal Balance Post Pregnancy be Reinstate?
Here are some beneficial strategies to return back the hormonal balance in your body post delivery:
Avoid white food
Stay away from white foods such as rice, bread, milk, pasta, and wafers, which are great in complex carbohydrates.
Exercise
involving in different physical activities will help minimize any stress and strain, build up the hormonal balance. Walking is a great way to enhance your energy levels.
Eat food rich in fiber
The excess fiber in your diet ties up with the estrogen so that phasing out the excess estrogen from the body.
Yoga
Practicing yoga aids alleviate anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness which in turn aids in reinstating the hormonal balance.
Limit high-fat food
Fat rich foods hike the estrogen level in the body. Stay away from the vegetable oils which are believed to affect the estrogen level and consume plenty of fish which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin D
Having vitamin D supplements and soaking in the sunlight which is the primary source of vitamin D can bolster compensate for vitamin D deficiency and regulate the estrogen level.
Placenta ingestion is an ancient Chinese practice, in which the dried placenta is ground and encapsulated into pills. It is considered that ingesting the placenta has different benefits, consisting of hormonal balance restoration during the post-delivery period.
It is a Chinese practice which utilizes a blend of needling, herbs, and moxibustion which in turn help in improving the hormonal balance.
Avoid birth control pills
Since the body requires some time to get back to normalcy, it is better to avoid any birth control pills right after the delivery. It may provoke hormonal imbalance and also trigger physiological or psychological changes.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a vital role in regulating the hormonal level in the body. You can boost the intake of magnesium-rich foods or take supplements as prescribed by the doctors.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Consuming alcohol can result in hormonal imbalance and caffeine triggers estrogen dominance.
Limit soy products
Soybeans are a great source of a substance which is similar to estrogen and put down the thyroid functions.
Hence it is better to avoid soy products such as soy milk, soy-based cereal, soy-protein, soy meats etc.
Vitamin and mineral supplement
The body needs essential vitamins and minerals to regulate a hormonal balance inside the body. Therefore taking vitamin and mineral supplements as per the direction of your doctor can aid to restore the hormonal levels in your body.
Eat Liver
The animal liver is a great source of vitamin A, which aid in reinstating the hormonal balance after pregnancy.
Consume egg yolk
Egg yolk is a great source of selenium, vitamin D and A which help in restoring the hormonal balance. Hence, it is good to add it to your diet.
Get enough sleep
Inadequate sleep leads to hormonal imbalances in the body. Getting the right amount of sleep benefits in the production of hormones, eliminating the toxins from the body and refreshing the mind.
All these factors play a vital role in maintaining a hormonal balance in the body.
Avoid toxins
Exposure to toxins in the environment can also have an effect on the body, leading to various health issues.
To minimize toxin exposure, you must go organic, replace plastic containers with glass ones, and avoid exposure to chemicals.
Consume herbs
Certain herbs can reinstate the hormonal balance in the body. But, you must prefer the doctor’s advice before taking any herbs. Here is the list of a few you can prefer to have:
- Chaste tree berry: It benefits in raising the progesterone levels and also improves fertility.
- Red raspberry leaf: It is a great source of different in nutrients and is considered as a uterine tonic that helps in improving fertility and reducing cramping and Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Origanum: It aids in regulating the menstrual cycle by maintaining the hormonal levels.
- Maca root powder: It is rich in essential fatty acids and minerals and enhances hormonal production.
- Evening primrose oil: Being rich in essential fatty acid content, this essential oil improve balance the hormonal level effectively.
If you are having any health problems linked with hormonal imbalance, then do not havoc. Just keep in mind that the body needs time to readjust to the changes that have happened during pregnancy and delivery.
Once the hormonal levels stabilize, these symptoms will also fade away. Just assure that you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle which aids to keep your hormone levels in control.