Placenta Pills vs. Zulresso - The Battle for Postpartum Mental Health

It's flipping awesome that there's now a medication with proven efficacy in treating postpartum depression (PPD). However, when we consider the potential benefits of placenta encapsulation in preventing PPD, it's kind of infuriating to see the lack of research in this area.

Let’s consider the reasons behind it.

Big Pharma Doesn’t Care About Us

The pharmaceutical industry's primary focus is profit-driven, and they stand to make substantial gains from this medication. As a result, prevention will continue to take a backseat, and we once again find ourselves in a cycle where pharmaceutical companies prioritize selling treatments rather than addressing root causes.

The stark difference in approach between Zulresso and placenta pills highlights a crucial aspect of postpartum care. Placenta pills offer a considerably less invasive and more user-friendly option compared to the intravenous infusion required for Zulresso. If we had comprehensive research to substantiate the benefits of placenta encapsulation, it's conceivable that this natural approach could potentially negate the need for medications like Zulresso in some cases.

The simplicity of taking placenta pills, created from one's own placenta, cannot be overstated. It avoids the need for hospital stays, constant monitoring, and the associated costs and potential side effects. Moreover, for many individuals, the idea of consuming something produced by their own body can be empowering and comforting. And the risks are about the same as eating out in a restaurant where food is prepared for you by someone else. That’s it.

While anecdotal evidence and limited studies have indicated potential benefits from placenta encapsulation in addressing postpartum depression and anxiety, comprehensive research is still lacking. This knowledge gap leaves many women grappling with uncertainty when making postpartum care decisions.

In an ideal scenario, if thorough research were conducted to validate the efficacy of placenta encapsulation, it could offer a safe, accessible, and less invasive alternative to medications like Zulresso, potentially reducing the need for such intensive treatments in some cases. This underscores the pressing need for further research and investment in women's healthcare, ensuring that women have a range of evidence-based options to choose from when it comes to addressing postpartum mental health challenges.

Sexism

The disparity in research and treatment between women's and men's health issues is glaring. While we witness extensive studies and groundbreaking treatments in areas such as erectile dysfunction, exemplified by the development of Viagra, women's health concerns are often relegated to the background.

The development of medications like Viagra, which have transformed the lives of countless men, highlights the willingness to invest in male-oriented health solutions. However, when it comes to women's health, particularly issues like postpartum depression and anxiety prevention, the research and funding lag behind, leaving women with limited options and a sense of being overlooked.

It's time that we address this gender imbalance in healthcare, recognizing the importance of preventing women's health issues with the same dedication and urgency as we do for men's health concerns. Achieving true gender equity in healthcare requires a shift in priorities and investments toward women's well-being and prevention, just as we've seen in the case of male-oriented treatments like Viagra.

Profits Over People

The glaring irony in the development of this PPD medication, rather than investing in research related to placenta encapsulation lies in the fact that pharmaceutical companies won’t profit from something that women naturally produce – their own placenta. This raises questions about why there isn't more investment in researching placenta encapsulation. While anecdotal evidence and limited studies suggest its potential effectiveness, the medical community, and critics, continue to argue that insufficient research supports its use.

This lack of comprehensive research perpetuates a frustrating cycle. Women are increasingly turning to placenta encapsulation, often due to their own experiences or recommendations from others who claim it has helped alleviate postpartum symptoms. Yet, the medical establishment remains skeptical due to the absence of large-scale, well-funded studies.

In essence, the absence of robust research on placenta encapsulation leaves women in a bind. On one hand, we are drawn to anecdotal success stories and small-scale studies that hint at its potential benefits. On the other hand, we face a medical community and mainstream narrative that dismisses these claims as unverified.

To break this cycle, we need genuine interest from research institutions and funding bodies to conduct rigorous studies on placenta encapsulation. This could provide clarity on its effectiveness and help women make informed decisions about their postpartum care.

In light of these frustrating disparities in women's healthcare and research priorities, it's critical that we take action to address these issues. My placenta services are committed to filling this gap by offering not only placenta encapsulation, backed by overwhelming anecdotal evidence and the belief that women deserve holistic postpartum support. And beyond encapsulation, I provide comprehensive postpartum education, preparation, and support because I recognize the pressing need for more of this at all levels of postpartum care.

It's time we prioritize women's well-being and ensure that we receive the care, attention, and research we deserve to not only treat but also prevent postpartum depression and anxiety effectively. I’m working hard to create a world where perinatal health is given the same importance as any other healthcare concern, breaking the cycle of neglect that has persisted for far too long.

Take the PMAD Risk Assessment

One in five women will get hit with a PMAD. The best prevention is information. Take the PMAD Risk Quiz and find out if you’re at risk for postpartum depression, anxiety, or any other perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.