Like other forms of depression, new mothers with Postpartum Depression (PPD) often have a neurotransmitter imbalance.
The cases of PPD that are related to low serotonin or norepinephrine levels in the brain (as opposed to hormonal
imbalances) are usually caused by nutritional deficiency of the precursors the body needs to make these neurotransmitters.
Medication can compound the problem because the drugs most commonly prescribed for PPD cause the body to use its reserves
of the nutritional precursors needed to produce neurotransmitters, thus worsening the state of nutritional deficiency.
Moreover, these drugs do not increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
In the book, A Natural Guide to Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, Dean Raffelock points out that, "The scientific
consensus is that PPD is multifactorial, which means that all of the above variables - hormonal, psychological, and
neurochemical - come into play." For a new mother with PPD, the complex system of biochemicals and nutrients have a
powerful effect on mood and well-being and need to be addressed in treatment.
Postpartum Depression, Serotonin and Stress
As scientists explore the role of serotonin in mood, more and more people are being identified as having low serotonin
levels. As discussed in the chapter on depression, serotonin and its group of neurotransmitters called catecholamines
are chiefly made by the adrenal glands. They all work together as a team to keep our moods stable and balanced.
As the general level of stress in our life goes up, our adrenal glands make more catecholamines, which means our
brains have less serotonin to maintain balance. As stressful events occur, such as pregnancy and childbirth, the
brain can have difficulty making enough serotonin to correspond with the new levels of catecholamines.
In addition to serotonin deficiency, catecholamine and adrenal function have been linked to depression.16 As wonderfu
l as pregnancy and new motherhood can be, it places a great deal of stress on the mind and body.
Depression and Norepinephrine
Some women suffer from a kind of depression that results from low levels of norepinephrine as opposed to low
serotonin. Increasing serotonin levels with drugs will not help this kind of depression and can actually make some
people more depressed. People with low norepinephrine levels feel a lack of energy and motivation, as opposed to those
with low serotonin levels who tend to have increased anxiety. The way this type of PPD is diagnosed is usually through
the trial and error of various drugs.
Postpartum Depression, Serotonin and Nutrition
There are other events, besides stress, that make it more difficult for the brain to produce adequate serotonin.
One of the greatest factors is nutrition. In order to produce sufficient serotonin, the brain needs a continual
supply of nutrients, such as tryptophan and vitamin B6.
The production of serotonin is a complex process that requires specific nutrients during every phase. For example,
in order to convert tryptophan into 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP), the body needs sufficient iron and vitamin B3
(niacin). In addition, the body needs other B vitamins and magnesium to convert vitamin B6 to pyridoxyl-5-phosphate
(P5P). At the end of the day, if we don’t have enough 5-HTP and P5P, our brain can’t produce sufficient serotonin,
resulting in depression. By supplying the brain with the appropriate nutrients, it functions properly and emotional
balance is maintained.
The following is a lst of nutrients that can help prevent PPD and research into their usage.
