Postpartum Depression, Testosterone Swings Affect New Fathers

Fathers face a higher risk of postpartum depression if testosterone levels drop 9 months after the baby is born, leading to a higher risk of men displaying verbal, emotional, or physical aggression toward their partners. “We tend to think of postpartum depression as a mom thing,” said Darby Saxbe, the study’s lead author. “It’s not. It’s a real condition that might be linked to hormones and biology.” Talk therapy can help both fathers and mothers navigate parenthood and manage their emotions.