Mood and Hormones - What’s Going on During Pregnancy and After Birth?

The McGill Maternal Mood and Hormones Study (3MHS) examines how hormones, specifically estrogens, progesterone, and cortisol, influence mood during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Although hormones affect us all, some individuals may be more sensitive to the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy, leading to higher risk for perinatal depression. Our research team has developed a new blood test for hormone sensitivity. In this study, we will use this blood test to examine how differences in hormone sensitivity relate to risk or history of perinatal depression. The results of this study will bring us closer to introducing a blood test for perinatal depression to the clinic. The ability to better predict which individuals are at increased risk for perinatal depression will ensure that these individuals receive the necessary support, ultimately improving the health and well-being of parents and children.

The McGill Maternal Mood and Hormones Study is a sub-study of the Montreal Antenatal Well-Being Study - one of the largest studies in Canada seeking to better understand which combination of factors make some people more likely than others to experience anxiety and/or depression during (and after) pregnancy.

The study is run in collaboration with Nela Santé.