Postpartum Hormone Level Blood Test

Sample Report Test Code: 004051, 004020, 004549, 004333, 004317, 004465, 010389, 001974, 004259 Specimen Type: Blood

Description:

Postpartum Hormone Panel (Labcorp)

The postpartum period, meaning the period after childbirth is a time when the body is going through a number of changes and adjustments.  These can include drastic changes to a number of hormone levels.  Common issues like stress and lack of sleep can make this issue worse.  During this time, it can be difficult to tell the difference between symptoms that are a normal part of the process the body is going through and ones that may be a sign of more serious complications.  Common symptoms often include depression, anxiety, weight gain, low sex drive, fatigue, sleep deprivation, hair loss, stress, constipation, nausea, and weakness.  Many of these symptoms will abate as hormone levels stabilize in the weeks and months after giving birth.  Routine lab tests are often recommended to measure hormone levels, especially if symptoms of hormone imbalance are continuing or becoming more severe.

• Cortisol: Elevated cortisol is a natural effect of labor and giving birth.  Postbirth, elevated cortisol can cause difficulty sleeping, and anxiety, and contribute to postpartum depression.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA S): DHEA levels can lower after birth and contribute to depression.
• Estrogen: Estrogen levels often decrease bost birth which can affect serotonin levels.
• Insulin: Lack of sleep and exhaustion can impact insulin production which can make it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar.
• Progesterone: Progesterone levels often drop after childbirth.  This can affect your mood and cognition and contribute to depression. 
• Prolactin: After childbirth, prolactin levels increase to stimulate milk production.
• TSH, Free T3, & Free T4: Thyroid hormone levels often increase during pregnancy as TSH levels decrease.  If these levels don't return to normal it can cause irritability, heart palpitations, constipation, fatigue, hair loss, and difficulty concentrating.

Postpartum bloodwork is usually done at least once, often around 6 weeks post-birth.  Depending on the results of these tests and the symptoms a person is experiencing, additional testing may be done at regular intervals to monitor any health concerns.

Request A Test also offers a Postpartum Health and Nutrition Testing Panel.

Turnaround for these tests is typically 3-5 business days.

Where can I find a Postpartum nutrition blood test near me?

Check our lab finder to locate a collection site in your area.