Expert: Doctor Early Options - 8/6/2009

Question
How do hormone levels change immediately after a first trimester surgical abortion? I cannot seem to find any information about this that is not politically skewed. I had an abortion yesterday and now I am experiencing mood swings that feel very similar to those I have during PMS. Pro-life  information sources (at least the ones i have read) attribute such mood swings to latent guilt and regret, denial etc. Pro-choice sources claim that the mood swings don't exist. I would just like some neutral information, preferably based on scientific studies.

Answer
Dear Jessica,
It is common and normal to have mood swings in the first week after an abortion, and for some women it takes two weeks.  The hormone level drops by about 50% within 4 hours after a surgical abortion, and then continues to decline from there.  I warn all my patients that they are likely to be on an emotional roller coaster for a few days after a procedure (and longer after the abortion pill as it takes longer for the hormones to go back to normal).  

If you are not feeling better in a week or two, there is a wonderful group of women who do post-abortion counseling at 1-866-4exhale.  

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
Early Abortion Specialist
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City