---
title: Why might depression develop when women stop breastfeeding? | Niyora
description: This review proposes that hormonal changes during weaning may trigger depression in some women. A brain chemical normally calming anxiety may work differently
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/gaba-a-dysregulation-as-an-explanatory-model-for-late-onset-postpartum-2019/
---

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- Why might depression develop when women stop breastfeeding?

Survey study, 2019

# Why might depression develop when women stop breastfeeding?

This review proposes that hormonal changes during weaning may trigger depression in some women. A brain chemical normally calming anxiety may work differently during weaning, worsening mood instead.

 Early or limited evidence

Women experiencing late-onset postpartum depression during weaning (review of literature, not a direct study)

## What they did

Researchers reviewed scientific literature on how hormones change during weaning and its link to late-onset depression after childbirth.

## What they found

A brain chemical called allopregnanolone normally reduces anxiety. But during weaning, it fluctuates similarly to drug withdrawal, which may paradoxically worsen depression in vulnerable women. This happens alongside the return of menstrual cycles.

## What it means for you

Some women may be vulnerable to depression when breastfeeding ends because brain chemicals change in a way that worsens mood rather than improves it. This is a proposed explanation, not yet proven with research studies.

## About the study

Original title GABA A dysregulation as an explanatory model for late-onset postpartum depression associated with weaning and resumption of menstruation Authors Burke CS, Susser LC, Hermann AD Journal Archives of women's mental health Year 2019 Study design Survey study What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00737-018-0871-9](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-018-0871-9)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

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Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women?

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What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

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How do brain changes during reproductive transitions cause depression in women?

Randomised trial, 2017

Does Sepranolone reduce symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMDD)?

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