A study from Weill Cornell Medicine and the University of Virginia suggests that neuroactive steroids derived from progesterone may predict the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). Women with altered hormone ratios in late pregnancy were found to be four times more likely to develop PPD.
Researchers identified two key metabolites: pregnanolone, which reduces stress, and isoallopregnanolone, which increases it. Those who developed PPD had a lower pregnanolone/progesterone ratio and higher isoallopregnanolone levels. These findings could lead to early detection and preventive treatments for at-risk women.
Further studies are planned to confirm the results and explore enzyme activity linked to progesterone metabolism.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].