Recent headlines in the associated press discuss a new study that indicates that new mothers are at higher risk for what is being called a “mood disorder” following birth. What they’re referring to is commonly called postpartum depression. Although the articles mention that scientists have found that the condition is caused by hormone fluctuations after birthing there is no recommendation on how to rebalance hormones. There is however a comment on mixed results using antidepressant pharmaceuticals since they can increase the incidents of suicidal thoughts.

For three decades the late Dr. John Lee who wrote extensively about the use of natural progesterone, treated his patients with bio-identical, unpatented progesterone creams for postpartum depression among many other symptoms of hormone imbalance. During pregnancy a women produces up to 400 mg of progesterone through her placenta. After birth the placenta is expelled and her progesterone levels plummet.

Adding a small dose of progesterone cream through the skin will mediate the effect rebalancing her hormone ratio restoring mood, calm and sleep. The minimal dose that the baby receives through mom’s milk will help to calm the baby too. Progesterone that matches the molecular structure of what women make in their bodies is not the same as the pharmaceutical versions. Only bio-identical progesterone will attach to the gaba receptors in the brain increasing tranquility and calm. Doses will vary depending on the severity of the depression. Generally a replacement dose of progesterone transdermally is from 20 to 60 mgs daily for two weeks out of the month. It doesn’t interfere with lactation and helps the new mother’s hormone balance return to pre-birth levels.

So, it mimics nature, it’s native to a woman’s body, doesn’t harm the baby through the breast milk, and it’s inexpensive. Does that sound better than taking a drug that can increase suicidal thoughts?