Description

A postpartum hormone blood panel measures hormone levels after giving birth. It can help identify hormone imbalances that may be contributing to symptoms like anxiety, depression, or fatigue. 

This panel includes the following test:

C-Peptide Test

Cortisol Test

DHEA Sulfate Test

Estrogen/ Estradiol Total Test

Progesterone Test

Prolactin Test

TSH, Third Generation Test

Fasting not required.

Additional information about each test is listed below:

Postpartum C-peptide levels can be a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes in women who have had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). C-peptide is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and its levels indicate insulin levels in the body. 

Cortisol levels change during pregnancy and after birth. Cortisol levels that are too high or too low postpartum can impact mental health. 

A DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) test can be used to assess hormone levels and adrenal gland function after pregnancy. DHEA levels can drop after giving birth, which may contribute to depression.

Postpartum estradiol is important because a significant drop in its levels after childbirth can contribute to mood fluctuations and potentially increase the risk of postpartum depression, as it plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are heavily involved in mood regulation; therefore, the rapid decline can leave some women vulnerable to emotional instability in the postpartum period. 

Progesterone is important postpartum because its levels drop significantly after birth, which can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and even postpartum depression due to its role in regulating mood and brain function; essentially, the sharp decline in progesterone after delivery can lead to emotional instability in some women. 

Prolactin is crucial postpartum because it directly stimulates milk production in the breasts, making it essential for breastfeeding; after delivery, a surge in prolactin levels triggers the mammary glands to start producing milk, and continued nipple stimulation from the baby further elevates prolactin levels, ensuring a sufficient milk supply throughout lactation. 

A postpartum TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) level is important because it can indicate the development of "postpartum thyroiditis," a condition where the thyroid gland becomes inflamed after childbirth, potentially leading to either hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) or hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) which can significantly impact a woman's physical and emotional well-being after delivery; monitoring TSH levels allows for early detection and treatment of this condition if necessary.