Journal of International Psychiatry

[Abstract] Objective To explore the relationship between postpartum depression and the levels of sex hormones and neurotransmitters. Methods A total of 120 pregnant women from January 2019 to March 2021 were included as the observation objects. At 2 weeks postpartum, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to evaluate depression, and they were set as depression group and normal group. The levels of serum sex hormones [prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P)], neurotransmitters [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA)] were measured, the differences of the above indexes between depression group and normal group were compared, and the correlation between the above indexes and EPDS score was studied by multiple linear regression analysis. Results Depression was detected in 28 of 120 pregnant women, with a detection rate of 23.33%. The levels of serum E2 in depression group were significantly lower than those in normal group, and the levels of serum PRL and P were significantly higher than those in normal group (P < 0.05). The levels of serum 5-HT and DA in depression group were significantly lower than those in control group (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum E2, 5-HT and DA were the related factors of EPDS score. Conclusion Postpartum depression is related to sex hormones and neurotransmitters. Low serum E2, 5-HT and DA levels will increase depressive symptoms. The above indicators can be detected early postpartum for the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression.

Key words Postpartum Depression; Sex Hormones; Neurotransmitter