Ask the Doctor: Hormones = craziness?

Q: How can I distinguish between hormones and just plain craziness during pregnancy?

Making a whole new person is a big deal. For the woman accomplishing this amazing feat, not the least of this is the flood of hormones affecting every organ in your body, including your brain.

If you began your pregnancy in generally good health, then mostly the high levels of hormones will have positive effects (think shiny hair, glowing skin and feelings of well-being). While big emotional ups and downs may happen, you are OK if you are still generally able to function normally in your life. If you are aware of your heightened feelings, thoughts, and emotions, and you arrange your environment to support you (think comfy shoes, back support and asking for massages), then you aren’t crazy – just hormonal. On the other hand, if you feel sad, depressed, or unable to do your job or care for your other kids, then talk to your support team – your spouse, your family and your doctor.

Elizabeth Lyster, M.D. is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Holtorf Medical Group in Foster City CA.  She has over 20 years of clinical experience dealing with conditions such as complex hormonal imbalances, metabolic conditions causing weight issues, thyroid dysfunctions, adrenal dysfunction, and fatigue disorders. She has special expertise in the treatment of perimenopause and menopause with the use of bioidentical hormones and in 2009, she published her first book, “Dr. Liz’s Easy Guide to Menopause: 5 Simple Steps to Balancing Your Hormones and Feeling like Yourself Again.”

By Pregnancy Editors

The Editors at Pregnancy are constantly scouring the news and best information to provide readers with the most accurate advice and latest trends in pregnancy and new motherhood. Together we've experienced most of the ups and downs of the pregnancy journey and are here to share and help you along the way.