High copper and postpartum depression
Copper has several important functions in the body. While it is considered an important trace mineral, problems usually occur when there is too much of it in soft tissues of the body.
Copper problems are generally missed, or diagnosed as something else, by all types of doctors and practitioners. Each mineral has “target organs” where it tends to build up. The places where copper accumulates are the liver first, then the brain and the reproductive organs, however, Copper overload may affect any organ or system of the body
Symptoms of copper imbalance
Headaches
Fatigue
Insomnia
Depression
Skin rashes
Spaciness or detachment
Learning disorders
Premenstrual syndrome
Postnatal depression
Interestingly, postpartum women experiencing depression have been found to have higher levels of copper in their blood than postpartum women who weren’t experiencing mood concerns.
And. while many women go through a short spell of the “baby blues” after giving birth, about 15% suffer full-blown postpartum depression.
Some women are more vulnerable than others to postpartum copper imbalances.
Factors include:
Insufficient zinc/copper ratio
High levels of dietary copper sources (eg: sweet potatoes, chocolate, avocado, oysters, sesame seeds)
Oestrogen dominance
Other hormone imbalances
Genetic polymorphisms or snips for the protein that regulates copper levels.
What’s more, persistently high copper levels might contribute to postpartum depression because of the metal’s role in brain chemistry. Excess copper in the brain can alter the balance of dopamine and norepinephrine, our two mood-regulating neurotransmitters.
If you are experiencing feelings or low mood, anxiety or depression after giving birth, its important to know that there is so much you can do to support your health, nutritionally, hormonally, and emotionally. Speaking to a practitioner with experience in hormonal balance and post-natal depletion is the first step to getting well and feeling back to your normal self. If you are suffering from feelings of low mood after birth, I can help you either via one of my courses or on a 1:2:1 basis