Postpartum Hormones: What Happens After Giving Birth

After childbirth, your body begins an extraordinary process of hormonal adjustment. The levels of pregnancy hormones drop sharply, while others rise to support milk production, uterine recovery, and emotional stability. These changes can affect your mood, energy levels, and reproductive health.

Placental Hormones After Delivery

During pregnancy, the placenta produces several key hormones that support fetal growth and maternal adaptation. One of them, placental lactogen (hPL), increases throughout pregnancy and peaks around the 34th week. Within a few days after delivery, its levels fall to nearly zero.

Another essential hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), maintains early pregnancy by supporting the corpus luteum and stimulating the production of estrogen and progesterone. After childbirth, hCG levels drop rapidly and usually become undetectable within two weeks.

Estrogen After Birth

Estrogen levels rise steadily during pregnancy and reach their peak just before delivery. Shortly after birth, estrogen levels decrease dramatically, returning to pre-pregnancy values within about one week.

In breastfeeding women, estrogen remains low for a longer period because elevated prolactin suppresses ovarian function. Low estrogen may lead to temporary vaginal dryness, lower libido, and mood fluctuations — all normal aspects of postpartum recovery.

Prolactin and Milk Production

The hormone prolactin is responsible for initiating and maintaining milk production. Once the placenta is delivered and estrogen and progesterone levels fall, prolactin levels increase sharply.

If breastfeeding occurs around six times per day, prolactin remains high, supporting consistent milk supply. Stimulation of the nipples during nursing also triggers the release of oxytocin, which promotes uterine contractions and enhances emotional bonding between mother and baby.

To support lactation, some women use a breast pump between feedings and store expressed milk safely in sterilized containers in the refrigerator or freezer.

Progesterone and the Return of the Menstrual Cycle

Progesterone, essential for maintaining pregnancy, decreases sharply within 72 hours after birth. It remains low until ovulation resumes. The first menstrual period usually indicates the normalization of progesterone production.

In breastfeeding women, this process may take several months or even a year, depending on the frequency and duration of nursing.

When the First Period Returns

The timing of menstruation after childbirth varies. Exclusive breastfeeding keeps prolactin levels high, which suppresses ovulation — a natural form of temporary infertility known as lactational amenorrhea.

However, ovulation can still occur before the first visible period, meaning conception is possible even during breastfeeding. For women who are not breastfeeding, menstruation typically returns about six weeks after delivery.

Monitoring Hormonal Recovery

Understanding how your hormones recover after childbirth helps maintain balance and supports long-term reproductive health. Modern technologies, such as the Ovul hormone tracker device, allow women to follow hormonal fluctuations safely and non-invasively, providing valuable insights into fertility and overall well-being.

Final Thoughts

Postpartum hormonal shifts are completely natural. Estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and hCG each play essential roles in recovery, lactation, and the gradual return of fertility.

By learning how your body changes, you can better support physical and emotional healing — and confidently navigate the transition into motherhood.