[Neuroendocrine factors in postpartum blues].
A very considerable proportion of women, estimated from 50 to 80 per cent, experience a noticeable period of emotional distress, usually mild or transistor, between the third and the tenth day postpartum (postpartum blues: PPB). The onset of this syndrome conform to a practically immutable of timing-symptoms are almost never noted before the third day postpartum (latent period). After this period, in approximately 10 per cent of women, occurs a depression: postpartum depression (PPD), and last to 8 weeks. Neuro endocrine factors in the pathogenesis of postpartum depression is discussed: thyroid, pituitary and adrenal cortex are reviewed. Considerable evidence support that the late postpartum syndromes are associated to psychological stress of childbirth with postpartum decrease of placental steroids, estrogen and progesteron, with high levels of pituitary prolactin.