Will Cortitrol help with Post Partum Depression (similar to post natal depression)?
A. There seems to be conflicting data regarding cortisol levels and post partum depression. Listed are several studies below, some found a correlation and some did not. Hormones certainly play a role in this condition, but prolactin and thyroid hormones seem to show the most correlation. Interestingly, cortisol and other hormone levels seem to return to pre-pregnancy levels within a few days post partum in healthy women. Aside from hormone levels, you can imagine that the nature of a new baby brings on many stresses that independently can cause cortisol levels to rise, including an increase in daily stresses and lack of sleep. Always speak to a qualified medical physician before taking any supplements with any medical condition. Abou-Saleh MT, Ghubash R, Karim L, Krymski M, Bhai I. Hormonal aspects of postpartum depression. Psychoneuroendocrinology 1998 Jul;23(5):465-75. Bonnin F. Cortisol levels in saliva and mood changes in early puerperium. J Affect Disord 1992 Dec;26(4):231-9. Ijui
