6 months pp hormonal

[Rockinghorse2019]

I had my baby six months ago last Friday. This past week I have been so hormonal really crazy mood swings. Angry then crying! I don’t feel right and really tired. I also haven’t had my period yet and bottle feeding. Help any advice -

Hi Rockinghorse,

So sorry to hear how you are feeling

How much sleep are you getting? My hormones were all over the shop but with hindsight sleep deprivation intensified how I was feeling - my mood swings were at their worst 4-6 months post birth, were only bad in the run up to my period 9 months post birth and finally felt settled around one year. I had intended to breastfeed but it didn’t work out, felt bad about that although I knew there was no need to, and had a tricky recovery from birth too. Low iron levels post birth as well. I’m not sure if any of these factors are relevant to you as well?

I would suggest seeing your GP, discussing how you are feeling and maybe ask for bloods to be checked/thyroid if you think that might be relevant to you too? I didn’t get my thyroid checked but wish I did in hindsight.

Good luck and take care x

Thank you for your reply yes he still waking up lots in the night although he doesn’t sleep through a few times a week so getting there.
I’m also suffering from night sweats 😩. I also had a traumatic birth and lost a litre of blood after forceps and episiotomy I’m also 41 and had loads of period problems before.
I went to see my GP and a few weeks ago who didn’t seem to concerned. She said I could have blood tests . I did last week before all the lock down. Upsetting they came back with low white blood cells I totally freaked out. Nothing about hormones and said repeat in two weeks. I have since had a really bad cold - so has my baby.
Feeling so down about it all XX

You poor thing, I’m not surprised you’re feeling low

You will understandably be feeling anxious about your blood test and hopefully the next one will help clarify what needs doing to rectify them. If you are still concerned at how you are feeling and your hormones over and above your gp’s advice, you may want to get a second opinion. The coronavirus lockdown won’t be making things any easier at the moment, of course.

Are you getting any time for self care? Not easy with a baby. Is there anyone in your household who can spend time with the baby while you have a break/use a face mask/read a book that’s nowt to do with babies or parenting? I was cynical at first but found meditation to be surprisingly helpful at quieting my mind when I wasnt feeling great and helped me to feel more relaxed. There are a number of free apps that can be downloaded and can be as short as 10 mins.

You will get better

@Rockinghorse2019 I know this is an old thread but was just wondering how things worked out for you? Did your hormones settle down naturally or continue to be a problem? I’m also a 41 year old FTM experiencing hormonal problems post partum. No worries if you are no longer on here.

If you have your period back, you should ask your GP to test your oestrogen/progesterone levels around day 21 of your cycle to see if they are out of balance. Hope that's helpful x