Postpartum depression or not - nearly a year postpartum.

Gerbera55 · 2026-08-04T17:54:44+00:00

My LO is so close to turning 1 and in the past couple of months, I’ve felt myself feeling lower and lower. My motivation to get things done is almost non-existent, I feel numb about anything other than my baby. I feel constantly overwhelmed. My maternity leave is almost over and I don’t know if that’s why I’m feeling like this or it it’s something more. Is it normal to feel this way?

AllBellyandBoobs · 04/08/2026 23:01

You need to see a GP in the first instance. I felt the same way as you, a few blood tests later I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and also hyperparathyroidism as a result of incredibly low vit d. I'm obviously not saying you will have the same, just that your GP is the person to help initially.

CherryPieToday · 04/08/2026 23:09

I'm sorry you're going through this. Postnatal hormone shifts can be really tough when they hit you this hard.

I'm almost 3 years postpartum and still don't feel like I have my hormones fully under control. I'm quite sensitive to hormonal changes, and I'm still breastfeeding, which likely plays a part too.

It's worth speaking to your doctor and seeing what they suggest. I tried the mini-pill to help balance things out, but it made me feel worse, so I had to stop fairly quickly. That said, it affects everyone differently, it might work well for you even if it didn't for me.

Original poster

Gerbera55 · 05/08/2026 06:22

AllBellyandBoobs · 04/08/2026 23:01

You need to see a GP in the first instance. I felt the same way as you, a few blood tests later I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and also hyperparathyroidism as a result of incredibly low vit d. I'm obviously not saying you will have the same, just that your GP is the person to help initially.

I actually do have an underactive thyroid which has been a struggle to get under control post-pregnancy. My last bloods were a couple of months ago and my levels finally looked good but it’s worth thinking about.

OP posts:

Original poster

Gerbera55 · 05/08/2026 06:24

CherryPieToday · 04/08/2026 23:09

I'm sorry you're going through this. Postnatal hormone shifts can be really tough when they hit you this hard.

I'm almost 3 years postpartum and still don't feel like I have my hormones fully under control. I'm quite sensitive to hormonal changes, and I'm still breastfeeding, which likely plays a part too.

It's worth speaking to your doctor and seeing what they suggest. I tried the mini-pill to help balance things out, but it made me feel worse, so I had to stop fairly quickly. That said, it affects everyone differently, it might work well for you even if it didn't for me.

The hormones really are something else aren’t they?

OP posts:

Wajeehakamran · 05/08/2026 11:17

I don't think you're alone in feeling like this. A lot changes in that first year, and it's okay to ask for help if things don't feel right.

AllBellyandBoobs · 05/08/2026 23:06

Gerbera55 · 05/08/2026 06:22

I actually do have an underactive thyroid which has been a struggle to get under control post-pregnancy. My last bloods were a couple of months ago and my levels finally looked good but it’s worth thinking about.

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Vit D deficiency is linked with hypothyroidism, so definitely asking for them to repeat your tsh and see if they'll check vitamin levels as well. Maybe an iron panel. But, it is tough being a mum, your life is turned upside down and things can seem overwhelming. I hope you get whatever support you need.

Om83 · 05/08/2026 23:31

Have you checked your ferritin levels? Did you loose a lot of blood in labour? During pregnancy and labour iron tanks and gets lower and lower in the following months if not addressed. There is an interesting research study that showed a high percentage of postnatal depression was misdiagnosed and untreated iron deficiency as the symptoms can be v similar. Your ferritin should be above 80ug/L- would maybe have been done when your thyroid tests were done if you have access to check the results?