When do post-partum hormones settle?

[BigPoipleOne]

I did a search but didn't get an answer so I hope it's OK if I ask: when do post-partum hormones settle? I gave birth In January and was told that it takes about four months for hormones settle to pre-partum levels. I have heard other women say it can take a year or even two years for post-partum to settle down. I ask because i feel very anxious, get down, often get very antsy. I am breastfeeding, by the way, so that might make a difference (although I thought breastfeeding was supposed to release oxytocin and make you feel better)....

Congratulations on your baby!

I think anything up to a year is fairly standard. I’m just about feeling slightly better myself. Also, I think once the (slightly more) regular sleep kicks in, that makes a difference.

i know it sounds cliche but you’ve literally just grown and birthed a whole human - amazing!

take care x

I'm not sure they will ever go back to pre-baby! I'm 22 months post partum, still BF, and still feel different to before particularly I've had worse PMS than pre-baby. If you are struggling then please get support, don't wait around for things to change naturally. Speak to GP about blood tests to check for any deficiencies, make sure you are getting enough rest, some exercise/fresh air, healthy diet, time to yourself. I take vitamin D, B6 and magnesium and it really helps.

With my first DC, I felt more myself when she was about 8-10 months but not fully until she was about 18 months old. DC2 is 7 months and I'm still not feeling fully back to myself but not feeling the same anxiety I did the first time around. I would advise going to your GP to talk about how you are feeling and ask if they can help you if it affecting your overall wellbeing OP

Tbh i have been told be several sources that it takes up to 2 years. How things affect you may also depend on other factors such has how much sleep you’re getting with a baby/toddler.

Thanks to everyone for their answers so far. I was prescribed the anti-depressant Mirtazapine six weeks ago but it has not made any difference to my low mood and anxiety. It has, however, increased my already substantial appetite and given me pins and needles in my left hand which wakes me uo at night. I have a follow-up applintment with the perinatal psychiatriat tomorrow. At nearly six months post-partum, perhaps I shouldn't be surprised that I am not feeling entirely myself quite yet, but two additional factors are the breastfeeding and what I didn't mention in my original post is that I'm 44 years old.