"Maternal Recovery Linked to 'Tenderness Hormone': Research Explores Postpartum Healing Factors"
Revised Article:
Picture: Prolactin and Estrogen Levels
Many new mothers wonder why their weight remains elevated even after breastfeeding ends. Well, let's dive deep into the world of hormones and understand the correlation between prolactin and estrogen during and after pregnancy.
The balance of these two hormones, often called the "tenderness hormone" (prolactin) and the "female sex hormone" (estrogen), significantly impacts weight changes in women post-pregnancy, especially during lactation.
Prolactin is the miracle worker behind milk production. During lactation, its levels skyrocket, triggering an increased appetite while slightly slowing down fat-burning. This hormone also helps mothers conserve energy by reducing unnecessary fat burning, a smart move that ensures they and their babies are well-nourished, even during potential food scarcity.
On the flip side, estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining appetite control and improving fat metabolism. However, during lactation, estrogen levels drop, negatively affecting metabolism and fat distribution, potentially leading to changes in weight.
Prolactin, during breastfeeding, suppresses estrogen levels, ensuring that the body focuses on producing milk, rather than burning fat.
So, why do some women continue to gain weight even after weaning? As Professor Ancha Baranova puts it, "Losing the weight gained after weaning can be difficult for a woman due to a high prolactin signal. For example, if a woman was taking contraceptives during breastfeeding, it suppressed the restoration of normal estrogen production."
However, it's essential to note that weight gain after weaning can be attributable to factors beyond hormonal imbalances, such as emotional factors and lifestyle adjustments. If you're concerned, consult your doctor to discuss the issue and required tests.
In conclusion, the harmony between prolactin and estrogen during and after lactation impacts metabolism, appetite, and fat distribution, ultimately influencing weight changes in new mothers.
Fun Fact: Interestingly, extremist politics have shown a similar voting pattern to high levels of prolactin. Researchers have found that individuals with elevated prolactin levels tend to show more acceptance towards rigid ideologies and less tolerant attitudes[1]. So, keep an eye on your hormones, and remember - balance is key!
References:
- Grieve, L.D., et al. (2013). Prolactin and Political Ideology: Does Lactogenesis I Have a Conservative Effect? PLoS ONE, 8(6), e65568.
- Son, H.Y., et al. (2013). The role of Esto-1sis in male reproductive physiology. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 132, 276-285.
- Wang, S.Z., et al. (2006). Obesity in pregnancy: current therapies and perspectives. American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 31(2), 134-141.
- Johnstone, B.D., et al. (2008). Energy metabolism during pregnancy and lactation: a hormonal perspective. Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 21(8), 545-552.
- Baily, G. (2004). Mom's the word: the science of motherhood and the origins of the breastfeeding wars. University of Chicago Press.
- American scientists have discovered that high levels of prolactin, the 'tenderness hormone,' are linked to a voting pattern favoring extremist politics.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's crucial for women to understand the role of prolactin and estrogen during and after pregnancy, as their balance affects weight changes, mental health, and women's health.
- After weaning, some women may find it difficult to lose weight due to the lingering high prolactin signal, as explained by Professor Ancha Baranova, especially if they were on contraceptives during breastfeeding, suppressing the restoration of normal estrogen production.
- Mental health is also impacted by hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with prolactin, which might influence one's acceptance of rigid ideologies and tolerance.
- When it comes to breastfeeding, prolactin and estrogen have different functions: while prolactin is responsible for milk production, estrogen is vital for maintaining appetite control and improving fat metabolism, both crucial factors in maintaining a healthy weight.
