Postpartum Adrenal Fatigue: Signs, Symptoms & My Top Natural Solutions with Dr. Ivy Branin
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ivy Branin Naturopathic Doctor at Simplicity Health Associates.
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As a naturopathic doctor specializing in women's health and hormones, I often see patients grappling with unique challenges after childbirth. Today, I want to shed light on a topic you might not be familiar with: postpartum adrenal fatigue. While many have heard of general adrenal fatigue, this is specifically tailored for women in the postpartum period.
Before we dive in, please know that all the supplements I'll be recommending are easily accessible through Fullscript. If this is your first order through us, you'll get 10% off!
What is Postpartum Adrenal Fatigue?
So, what exactly is postpartum adrenal fatigue, and who am I talking to? If you've given birth, whether you've breastfed or not, and it's been three, four, or even six months, and you're still experiencing some specific symptoms, this might resonate with you.
You might be dealing with postpartum adrenal fatigue if you're experiencing:
No return of your period: Even months after childbirth, your menstrual cycle hasn't resumed.
Severe vaginal dryness: This is a significant symptom, and I've even done a separate video specifically on this topic.
Poor sleep quality: I'm not just talking about being tired, but that frustrating "wired but tired" feeling. You're waking up in the middle of the night, unable to fall back asleep.
Feeling super hot: Unexplained heat or hot flashes can be a sign.
Significant memory issues: Let's just say your memory is… not what it used to be. You know what I'm talking about!
These are definitely signs that you could be experiencing postpartum adrenal fatigue. It's crucial to note that the recommendations I'm about to discuss are only for those who are no longer breastfeeding. This is a very important distinction. I've not only given these recommendations to my patients but have also used them myself because even naturopaths can experience postpartum burnout!
If you are interested in specially learning more about Postpartum Vaginal Dryness, consider reading this blog post.
Essential Postpartum Support
First, let's cover the basics—what you should generally be taking postpartum, regardless of whether you're breastfeeding or not.
FemOne™ Multivitamin By Metabolic Maintenance
This is a fantastic one-a-day multivitamin. It ensures you're getting essential nutrients like folate, iodine, and iron, all vital for recovery and, if you were breastfeeding, for your baby's development. Hopefully, you've been taking this since birth.
ProOmega® 2000-D by Nordic Naturals
I absolutely love this supplement. It provides 1000 IUs of Vitamin D and plenty of omega-3s, especially DHA, which is so beneficial for your baby's brain development.
These are foundational supplements you should continue to take. Now, let's get into the specifics for addressing postpartum adrenal fatigue.
Targeted Approach for Postpartum Adrenal Fatigue
For those no longer breastfeeding, here are the key supplements to help reset your system if you are experiencing symptoms related to Postpartum Adrenal Fatigue.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are herbs that help your body adapt to stress and support your adrenal glands. It's important to remember that you should not take adaptogens during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, which is precisely why I'm discussing them for this specific postpartum phase.
The combination I highly recommend is the TruAdapt Plus by Ortho Molecular. I like this supplement because it contains top supportive adaptogens for the adrenal glands:
Licorice
Rhodiola
Holy Basil
Ashwagandha
Schisandra
These work synergistically to support your adrenal function. The "Plus" in TruAdapt Plus means it also contains an adrenal glandular. This isn't vegetarian or vegan, but if you're not on a plant-based diet, the glandular component can offer additional support to your adrenal glands. If you are vegetarian or vegan, I highly recommend Licorice Plus® by Metagenics. This supplement option does not have glandular and will be highly beneficial due to the rehmannia.
DHEA and Pregnenolone Support
Due to the significant drain our adrenals and hormones experience postpartum, I also recommend adding DHEA. Specifically, I suggest DHEA Plus by Douglas Labs.
I typically recommend one capsule, though some might benefit from two. One is usually sufficient for most people, taken first thing in the morning.
What makes this DHEA formulation stand out is that it also includes pregnenolone. This means you're supporting both sides of hormone production. DHEA is a major precursor hormone for testosterone, which then converts to estrogen. This addresses one crucial aspect of your hormonal balance. The pregnenolone that is present in this supplement helps to support progesterone production.
Postpartum, we often see a significant drop in hormones, especially if breastfeeding has suppressed their production. This combination of TrueAdapt Plus and DHEA Plus will work together to support the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), which in turn helps bring your hormones back into balance.
Resetting Your System
This combination, used after lactation, typically helps reset your system within two to four months. These aren't supplements you'll need to take indefinitely; the goal is to help your body recover and regain its natural balance when dealing with postpartum adrenal fatigue.
Remember, this entire protocol is easily accessible through our Fullscript store. If you're a new customer, you'll receive 10% off your first order.
Take the Next Step Towards Postpartum Recovery
Understanding the nuances of postpartum adrenal fatigue and how to support your body naturally is a powerful step towards regaining your energy and vitality. At Simplicity Health Associates, we're dedicated to empowering you with personalized knowledge and effective strategies for your unique health journey.
If you're experiencing the persistent exhaustion, hormonal imbalances, or other challenging symptoms of postpartum adrenal fatigue, our naturopathic approach can make a profound difference. Both myself, Dr. Ivy Branin, and Dr. Pauline Hoang is passionate about guiding our patients experiencing postpartum adrenal fatigue through a comprehensive, individualized plan to help reset your system and foster your overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have postpartum adrenal fatigue?
While a formal diagnosis requires professional assessment, you might be experiencing postpartum adrenal fatigue if you're a new mother (typically 3-6 months postpartum or more, and no longer breastfeeding) and are struggling with symptoms like your period not returning, severe vaginal dryness, persistent exhaustion, waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to get back to sleep, feeling excessively hot or having hot flashes, or experiencing significant memory problems or "mom brain." If these symptoms resonate with you, it's a strong indicator to seek further evaluation.
Can postpartum cause adrenal fatigue?
Absolutely. The postpartum period is a profoundly demanding time for a woman's body. The physical stress of childbirth, significant hormonal shifts (especially the notable drop in hormones after delivery and during breastfeeding cessation), severe sleep deprivation, and the ongoing demands of caring for a newborn can place immense and prolonged stress on the adrenal glands. This sustained pressure can lead to a state of adrenal fatigue, where your adrenals struggle to keep up with the body's demands for stress hormones, ultimately impacting your overall well-being.
How long does it take for adrenal fatigue to heal?
The healing timeline for postpartum adrenal fatigue can vary significantly depending on the individual and the severity of the fatigue. However, with a dedicated and consistent supplement protocol, along with lifestyle and diet changes, many women begin to feel a significant shift and rebalance their system within approximately two to four months after lactation. It's crucial to understand that this is not a quick-fix solution but rather a gradual process of supporting your body's innate healing mechanisms.
What foods should you avoid with adrenal fatigue?
While the primary focus for managing adrenal fatigue should be on incorporating nutrient-dense, whole foods, certain dietary choices can exacerbate the condition and are generally recommended to limit or avoid. These include refined sugars and simple carbohydrates, as they can cause rapid blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes, putting additional stress on your adrenals; excessive amounts of caffeine, which can overstimulate your adrenal glands and contribute to the "wired but tired" sensation; alcohol, which can disrupt sleep patterns and burden the liver, a key organ for hormone balance; processed foods and artificial ingredients, which often lack essential nutrients and can promote inflammation; and trans fats and inflammatory oils, which can also contribute to systemic inflammation, hindering adrenal recovery. Instead, prioritizing a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables is crucial for supporting adrenal health and overall recovery.
What is the difference between postpartum adrenal fatigue and postpartum depression (PPD)?
While both conditions can present with fatigue and mood disturbances in the postpartum period, there are key distinctions. Postpartum adrenal fatigue primarily involves the dysregulation of the adrenal glands due to chronic stress, leading to symptoms like wired exhaustion, memory issues, and hormonal imbalances beyond mood. Postpartum Depression (PPD), on the other hand, is a recognized mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and sometimes thoughts of harming oneself or the baby. While hormonal shifts play a role in both, PPD often requires different interventions, including therapy and sometimes medication, in addition to lifestyle support. It's crucial to book a consultation for an accurate diagnosis, as symptoms can overlap.
Book An Appointment
If you're concerned about remaining healthy, or may suspect that there is an underlying health concern, our team at Simplicity Health Associates are dedicated to helping you navigate this journey through personalized, holistic treatment plans.
About Dr Ivy Branin
Dr Ivy Branin is a Naturopathic Doctor in NYC who received her degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biochemical engineering and a minor in French from Rutgers University. After graduating from Rutgers, she worked for 3 years as a process validation engineer in the pharmaceutical industry in New York and Connecticut.
As a naturopathic doctor in NYC, Dr Branin does not approach disease with a “one-size fits all” perspective but rather sees each patient as an individual with their own potential for optimal health. She supports people in their desire to feel good and good about themselves using the naturopathic principles of dietary and lifestyle management, homeopathy, visceral manipulation, botanical medicine, and craniosacral therapy.