Childbirth is an incredible journey, but the postpartum period can feel like a hormonal rollercoaster. After delivering your baby, your body begins a complex and gradual process of hormonal rebalancing. Understanding what’s happening can help you feel more empowered and prepared during this transition.

What Happens to Your Hormones After Delivery?

The postpartum period—often referred to as the fourth trimester—is marked by significant hormonal shifts. The sudden delivery of the placenta triggers an immediate drop in key hormones that supported your pregnancy, followed by a gradual reset as your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.

Here’s a closer look at the major players:

Estrogen and Progesterone:

• During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels soar, supporting fetal growth and preparing your body for childbirth.
• After delivery, these hormones plummet within 24 hours, contributing to mood swings, fatigue, and even the “baby blues.”
• It can take 6-12 weeks for estrogen and progesterone to gradually stabilize, although this timeline varies based on factors such as breastfeeding and overall health.

Prolactin:

• Prolactin, the hormone responsible for breast milk production, spikes after birth to encourage lactation.
• Breastfeeding keeps prolactin levels elevated, which can suppress ovulation and delay the return of your menstrual cycle.
• If you’re not breastfeeding, prolactin levels drop within a few weeks, allowing ovulation and menstruation to resume sooner.

Oxytocin:

• Known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin helps the uterus contract after birth and facilitates bonding with your baby.
• Breastfeeding further boosts oxytocin, promoting feelings of calm and connection during nursing sessions.

Timeline of Hormonal Rebalancing

While every woman’s postpartum experience is unique, here’s a general timeline to help you understand what to expect:

0-2 Weeks Postpartum:

• Estrogen and progesterone levels drop rapidly, contributing to mood swings and physical changes.
• Prolactin rises, supporting early milk production.

6-12 Weeks Postpartum:

• Estrogen and progesterone begin to stabilize, though they may remain slightly lower than pre-pregnancy levels, especially while breastfeeding.
• Prolactin levels remain high if breastfeeding, but gradually decline if not.

3-6 Months Postpartum:

• Hormones continue to adjust, and the menstrual cycle may resume (earlier for non-breastfeeding mothers, later for those exclusively breastfeeding).

6-12 Months and Beyond:

• For breastfeeding mothers, prolactin and oxytocin remain elevated, but these hormone levels gradually return to baseline as weaning begins.

Practical Tips to Support Hormonal Balance

Your body is remarkably capable of restoring hormonal balance, but a little support can go a long way. Here’s how you can help:

• Nourish Your Body: To support hormone production, prioritize nutrient-dense foods rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
• Get Quality Sleep: Rest is essential for hormone regulation. Nap when possible and ask for help to prioritize sleep.
• Manage Stress: Stress can interfere with hormonal balance, so incorporate deep breathing, gentle movement, or meditation into your daily routine.
• Move Your Body: Light, postpartum-appropriate exercises like walking or yoga can help regulate hormones and stabilize moods.
• Breastfeeding and Hormones: If breastfeeding, remember that prolactin suppresses ovulation. It’s normal for periods to be delayed, but speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

When to Seek Support

If you experience persistent mood swings, anxiety, or feelings of sadness beyond the first few weeks, you may be dealing with postpartum depression (PPD) or anxiety. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for support—hormonal changes can affect mental health, and help is available.

Additionally, if your menstrual cycle hasn’t returned after 6-12 months (especially if you’re not breastfeeding), or if you experience unusual symptoms like excessive fatigue or hair loss, a checkup can help rule out hormonal imbalances.

Final Thoughts: Be Gentle With Yourself

The postpartum period is a time of immense change, and hormonal rebalancing doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself grace as your body works to restore equilibrium. Understanding what’s happening behind the scenes can help you navigate this period with confidence and compassion.

Sources:
 Schwartz, E., & Ketner Villa, J. (2025). Navigating the Postpartum Period: Hormonal Changes and Essential Care for Women. IntechOpen. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.1008428

Servin-Barthet, C., Martínez-García, M., Paternina-Die, M. et al. Pregnancy entails a U-shaped trajectory in human brain structure linked to hormones and maternal attachment. Nat Commun 16, 730 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-55830-0.