Hormone check may help predict post-natal depression
Monitoring women’s hormones levels may help reduce post-natal depression, reports the BBC’s Health website.
Levels of the hormone pCRH hormone were tested in 100 women at several intervals during their pregnancy, and also after they had given birth. The levels of the hormone helped predict those who went on to experience post-natal depression. The pCRH hormone helps produce cortisol which helps the body deal with stress, and the tests after birth showed that these levels dipped.
Researchers said the hormone testing was most effective when symptoms of depression were also monitored.
It’s hoped that a bigger sample group will now be undertaken.