$Unique_ID{BRK00207}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is Depression After an Abortion Hormonal?}
$Subject{post-abortion depression emotional stress Pregnancy Childbirth
Hormonal normal birth miscarriage emotions abort grief loss grieve mourning
insomnia sleep disturbances appetite changes crying spells lethargy
hopelessness suicide behavior behaviors post-abortions abortions}
$Volume{K-23, E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Depression After an Abortion Hormonal?


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QUESTION:  Many women are depressed after having an abortion.  Is this
hormonal?

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ANSWER:  Although women do go through hormonal changes after the end of any
pregnancy, whether it is a normal birth, a miscarriage, or an abortion, there
is no way to tell if a depression is caused by these changes.  Because of
this, any depression after an abortion should be evaluated on its own, and not
thought of as just a passing phase.
     No women goes through an abortion without some emotional stress.  Some
women choose to abort what had been a wanted pregnancy when the fetus is found
to be abnormal and grieve the loss.  Others have gone through the strain of an
unwanted pregnancy.  The abortion may remind them of another loss in their
lives.
     Most women will go through a mourning period following an abortion.
However, if they are experiencing sleep disturbances, appetite changes, crying
spells, lethargy, feelings of hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide, they
should discuss this with their physician and seek counseling.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.