Abstract: AIM: To study the effects of changes of E2,PandPRL before and afterlabor onPostpartum depression.METHODS: The values of blood E2,PandPRL were measured by radio-immunity in 38 women at the beginning oflabor and at 72 h of thePostpartum.And these women were assessed with EPDS,BDI and GHQ at d 3 and d 42 of thePostpartum.RESULTS: The scores of EPDS and BDI at d 3 ofPostpartum were significantly higher than that atPostpartum d 42(P<0.001).The change ofPostpartum E2 was negatively related to the scores of EPDS and BDI,while the change ofPostpartumPwasPositively related to the scores of GHQ at d 42 of thePostpartum.CONCLUSION: Over-highPostpartum estrogen with verylowProgesterone mayPlay a role in thePostpartum depression.

Key words: pharmacodynamics, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, postpartum depression