The Making of Postpartum Depression

We look at perfect pictures of new moms, their make up is done, not a hair on their head is left uncurled.  A sweet, sleeping infant lies in their arms and by all accounts, this is the happiest moment of all.

What you don't see when the camera is focused elsewhere, is the anxiety, depression, fatigue...the overwhelming fatigue!  Welcome to postpartum!  Now,  for some women, this never becomes an issue but for a greater and growing number of women, having a baby is the hardest kind of work that no one ever tells you about.

It's pretty much common sense that creating a human being is hard and stresses a woman's body.  Somehow, even as women, we think that delivering that perfect little baby is the end of our pregnancy journey...For some, the hard work is just beginning.

Interesting things happen after childbirth.

• With the delivery of the placenta, progesterone levels plummet!  Almost immediately.  We love progesterone because it actually elevates mood.
• Estrogen remains high which results in a hormone imbalance between progesterone and estrogen.  Another term for this is estrogen dominance.
• Estrogen dominance looks like panic attacks, anxiety, depression, 
• Estrogen that is too high also prevents cortisol, our stress hormone from getting where it needs to be, in our cells, so our cortisol levels drop.  We get a double whammy because progesterone,plays a critical role in producing cortisol as well. 
• The adrenals are the back up gland to the ovaries so with low progesterone, high estrogen, low cortisol and the adrenals doubling up on work, they become fatigued and even burnt out. 
• All this hormone imbalance results in many of the symptoms you feel with postpartum depression. 

So, what can be done?

Well, it's important to understand why you are feeling the way you are.  You aren't going crazy, your body is finding it's way back to a healthy, balanced state after working so hard for 9 months.  The number one thing you can do is make sure you are getting enough sleep.  Sleep is important for resting the adrenals.  Of course, eating healthy whole foods is critically important as well.  The cruciferous family of vegetables are an excellent choice for estrogen dominance.  Vitamin B6 and Magnesium help process all of that extra estrogen and can help relieve the symptoms of postpartum depression.  A good, plant based Vitamin C raises progesterone levels over time.  

It's important to be watchful when dealing with postpartum depression.  Symptoms can escalate quickly so, visit with your doctor, and if needed, get some additional support through pharmaceuticals until things settle down.  The duration of postpartum symptoms varies between women so be patient and kind with yourself.   

How Cholesterol Can Keep You Out of Trouble

All we ever hear about Cholesterol is bad.  It's like the kid down the street your mom never let you play with..."Stay away from Cholesterol!"  She would yell as we ran out to play, door slamming behind us.  

Cholesterol is not bad...at least in extreme amounts but did you know that it has some vitally important functions?  Our bodies actually make 75% of our cholesterol.  Cholesterol is the raw material needed, in order to produce hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, serotonin and more.  It also helps us generate Vitamin D.  Having adequate cholesterol successfully transports the fat soluble vitamins A,D,E,K.   Generally speaking, cholesterol helps us feel good, hopeful, and healthy. 

So, what does our body use to generate all this cholesterol?  Well, its probably not what you think or what you've been told.  It uses refined carbs and sugar.  Stress is another big contributor to high cholesterol.  Cortisol is produced in the adrenals in order to help us handle our stress.  When we deal poorly with stress, our adrenals call for an increase in cortisol.  Cholesterol hears the call and cranks out more and more in order to meet the cortisol demands...so, our cholesterol numbers rise. 

Over the years, the powers that be continue to lower the acceptable cholesterol number. When was the last time you heard anyone talk about the risks of low cholesterol?  We rarely talk about the side effects of not having enough cholesterol but did you know that low cholesterol can be just as detrimental?  

Low Cholesterol can result in the following:

• 700% increase in colon cancer
• Heart and circulation problems
• Ulcers
• Dizziness and Arrhythmia
• Increase in cancers

The bottom line is, we need to keep our health in balance.  Too much of a good thing is just as bad as too little.   If you are having high cholesterol problems, talk to your doctor.  Start managing your stress and eat a diet full of whole, vitamin rich foods, and as usual, watch your intake of sugary, refined carbs.  Remember, always check with your doctor before stopping or starting any medication