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Etiology of Postpartum Depression

Potential underlying etiologies of postpartum depression (PPD) include hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, and environmental stressors. While the exact cause remains unknown, depressive episodes in susceptible individuals may be triggered by the rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone levels following childbirth, combined with the stress and sleep deprivation that accompanies newborn care. Other contributing factors include changes in metabolic pathways.

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Updated 2026-07-03

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