Postpartum depression may be linked to new mothers' gut gases, Harvard study suggests

Harvard researchers report that gut bacteria can produce gases that are chemically transformed into hormones linked to pregnancy and mood, according to a study published in Cell. Lead author Dr. Megan McCurry said the work identifies a microbial chemical transformation that produces a steroid that could affect women's health and postpartum depression.

Recent research from Harvard University reports a link between gut bacterial gases and hormones tied to pregnancy and mood. The study was published in the journal Cell and was led by Dr. Megan McCurry at the Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School. Researchers describe a chemical transformation carried out by certain gut bacteria that produces a steroid associated with women's health. The authors frame the findings as part of a broader effort to understand how the gut and brain communicate during and after pregnancy. Key findings: - Gut bacteria were reported to produce gases that can lead to the creation of hormones associated with pregnancy and mood regulation. - The study notes these microbial products include natural versions of compounds related to drugs now used for postpartum depression. - Lead author Dr. Megan McCurry described a bacterial chemical transformation that produces a steroid that could impact postpartum health. - The research is presented as additional evidence of a gut–brain connection and the possibility that manipulating gut microbes could inform future approaches to some mental health conditions. - The article also reiterates that postpartum depression involves large hormonal changes after childbirth and can, if untreated, progress to more serious conditions such as postpartum psychosis. Summary: The study adds evidence that gut microbiota can influence hormone-related pathways relevant to mood and postpartum health, as reported by Harvard researchers and published in Cell. Undetermined at this time.