The Postpartum Hormone Rollercoaster: Understanding Hormonal Shifts After Birth and During Weaning

The common narrative is that postpartum recovery lasts about six weeks. But if you've ever found yourself months—or even years—after giving birth still feeling different, you're not imagining it. The truth is, hormonal recovery after birth can take a full year or more , especially for those who are breastfeeding.

As soon as the placenta is delivered, estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically (1). These pregnancy-sustaining hormones also play a key role in mood stability, so it’s no surprise that their sudden absence can cause emotional ups and downs in the early days.

At the same time, oxytocin—the "bonding hormone"—increases. It helps contract the uterus, promote milk ejection (let-down), and encourage emotional connection with your baby (2). For some, this creates feelings of closeness and calm. For others, the contrast between oxytocin highs and estrogen lows can be emotionally overwhelming.

• Mood swings and heightened sensitivity
  
  

• Postpartum night sweats or chills
  
  

• Breast fullness
  
  

• Cramping during breastfeeding

• Skin-to-skin contact to encourage oxytocin naturally
  
  

• Hydrate frequently and eat warm, nourishing foods
  
  

• Consider a magnesium glycinate supplement, like Miss Bliss, for sleep and muscle relaxation
  
  

• Rest when possible—even short naps can help regulate stress hormones

Up to 80% of new parents experience what's commonly called the “baby blues”—mood swings, irritability, weepiness, or anxiety that typically begin within the first week after birth and resolve by week two (3). These feelings are linked to hormonal withdrawal, sleep deprivation, and the stress of adjustment.

However, if emotional struggles persist beyond two weeks, become more intense, or interfere with daily functioning, it may signal a more serious postpartum mood disorder like postpartum depression or anxiety (4). Symptoms may include persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, panic, excessive guilt, or difficulty bonding with the baby.

Note: Legendairy Milk is not a medical provider. If you're experiencing symptoms that feel distressing or unmanageable, please reach out to a licensed professional such as an OB-GYN, midwife, or therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health. You are not alone, and support is available.

In these early months, breastfeeding prompts the body to produce prolactin , the hormone responsible for milk production. While prolactin supports lactation, it also suppresses ovulation and keeps estrogen levels low , which may cause lingering symptoms of vaginal dryness, fatigue, or low libido (5).

Many mothers feel emotionally fragile or emotionally flat during this phase—not necessarily due to mental health disorders, but because of the endocrine demands of lactation combined with physical recovery.

• Vaginal dryness
  
  

• Low sexual desire
  
  

• Persistent fatigue
  
  

• Emotional sensitivity

• Focus on hydration and blood sugar stability (snacks every 2–3 hours)
  
  

• Gentle movement like stretching or walking can restore energy
  
  

• Supplement with B vitamins to support mood and metabolism
  
  

• Talk openly with your partner or support system about what you're feeling

By this stage, some moms see their period return, while others continue to experience cycle suppression due to regular breastfeeding. The return of ovulation brings back fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone , which may lead to familiar PMS symptoms—plus potential drops in milk supply during menstruation or ovulation (6).

Even without the return of menstruation, hormonal activity is often increasing behind the scenes, which can affect mood, supply, and stress resilience.

• Hormonal acne or breast tenderness
  
  

• Emotional highs and lows tied to your cycle
  
  

• Temporary dips in milk production
  
  

• Increased irritability or fatigue

• Try calcium + magnesium after ovulation to reduce supply dips
  
  

• Use Liquid Gold or Milkapalooza to support lactation during hormonal transitions*
  
  

• Track your symptoms in a journal or app to notice patterns
  
  

• Consider adding Myo & D-Chiro Inositol to support hormonal balance and ovulation*

As baby begins eating solids or breastfeeding less frequently, the body begins to shift again. Prolactin and oxytocin start to decrease, allowing for the gradual return of full hormone cycling. Some parents also begin to feel the effects of long-term nutrient depletion, stress, and reduced sleep.

The emotional demands of parenthood don’t lighten just because routines become more predictable. The nervous system continues to process chronic stress, even when physical recovery from birth is complete.

• Anxiety or irritability
  
  

• Brain fog or forgetfulness
  
  

• Difficulty sleeping, even when the baby sleeps
  
  

• Hormonal headaches

• Nutrient-dense meals, ideally with iron, protein, and healthy fats
  
  

• Omega-3s and Magnesium to support brain health
  
  

• A probiotic to support gut-brain communication and reduce inflammation
  
  

• Ask for help and stay connected to community through virtual or in-person mom groups 

Whether you wean at 6 months or 3 years, this phase often comes with another big hormonal recalibration. As milk removal slows, prolactin and oxytocin levels drop. For some, this triggers feelings of grief, anxiety, or mood instability—especially if the weaning process was abrupt or unplanned (7).

Weaning is rarely discussed as a hormonal event, but it often feels like a second wave of postpartum. These symptoms are valid, and they’re real.

• Mood swings or irritability
  
  

• Sadness or unexpected grief
  
  

• Sleep disturbances
  
  

• Emotional vulnerability

• Wean gradually when possible to reduce hormonal shock
  
  

• Use Miss Bliss to support stress and mood balance*
  
  

• Continue Magnesium and B Vitamins support to ease the transition
  
  

• Talk with your provider if symptoms worsen or persist

Recent research has shown that the brain changes structurally during pregnancy and postpartum, including a reduction in grey matter in areas related to empathy and emotional regulation (8). This change is not a deficit—it’s a refinement that helps parents become more attuned to their baby’s cues and needs.

These brain changes can last for years and may help explain why so many mothers feel emotionally different even long after weaning. Postpartum isn’t a moment in time. It’s a new phase of life.

Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, weaning, or parenting a toddler, your hormone story is still unfolding. You’re not imagining it—and you’re not doing it wrong. Your body is constantly working to adapt, recover, and nourish. Support isn’t just deserved during the newborn stage. It’s essential all the way through.

Legendairy Milk is here to walk with you, from the first latch to the final wean, and beyond. Explore our supplements, educational blogs, and community support—all designed to help you feel seen, supported, and strong. Follow @legendairymilk on all platforms for postpartum support.