Optimal Bio

In this episode of The Provider Series, Christian Davis, NP, from our Charlottesville office, returns to discuss one of the most misunderstood chapters in women’s health: postpartum. She explains how pregnancy elevates hormones to their peak, why estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone rapidly drop after delivery, and how this sudden shift contributes to fatigue, mood changes, anxiety, hair loss, sleep disruption, and low libido. Christian also highlights postpartum thyroid dysfunction, prolactin’s impact on dopamine, the importance of nutrition, and why rest and community support are essential for recovery. Together, they break down what happens in the first 48 hours postpartum, how hormonal changes influence mood and bonding, why thyroid health affects milk supply and overall healing, and how preexisting hormone issues shape the postpartum experience. She also shares what postpartum care should look like (and why many women aren’t receiving it.) Whether you’re postpartum, preparing for pregnancy, or supporting someone you love, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and science-backed insight into what the body is truly going through. Ready to feel like yourself again? Schedule a consultation at https://optimalbio.com/contact-us/. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.