Targeting the female endocannabinoid system (FECS): Phytocannabinoid supplementation and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices for postpartum depression and iron deficiency
Authors: Clare Petal Persad  
Published: February 2025

Postpartum depression (PPD) and iron deficiency are prevalent challenges for women after childbirth, with substantial impacts on both psychological and physical health. This workshop proposal introduces a biomolecular, psychological, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) approach to managing PPD and iron deficiency by integrating phytocannabinoid supplementation, Ayurvedic herbs, and yoga. These interventions target the female Endocannabinoid System (FECS), which plays a vital role in regulating mood, stress, and reproductive health.
Recent research highlights the potential of FECS-targeted therapies in managing symptoms of depression and emotional imbalances related to PPD. Postpartum depression is a significant public health problem, affecting approximately 10-20% of postpartum women, and can lead to severe conditions such as suicidal attempts. Deficiencies in trace elements during the postpartum period have been recognized as essential contributors to postpartum depression. Risk factors for postpartum depression include high life pressure, lack of social support, lack of partner support, physical and psychological violence by partners, abuse that has been experienced, and depression that has been experienced during pregnancy. The pathogenic factors of postpartum depression are complicated.
Previous clinical studies have illustrated the correlations between the pathogenesis of postpartum depression and altered levels of prenatal hormones, worrying about delivery, and inadequate preparation for childbirth. Another study further confirmed the contribution of limited postpartum health education, insufficient psychological support, and inability to adapt to postpartum roles to the occurrence of postpartum depression in the early postpartum period.
Antenatal depression, antenatal anxiety, and previous depressive illness have the most substantial effect size in postpartum depression. Life stress, fear of childbirth, and emergency cesarean delivery have also been identified as risk factors for postpartum depression. Interestingly, women with a history of depression and an IVF-achieved pregnancy experienced substantially less postpartum depression.
Regarding delivery factors, studies suggest that emergency cesarean delivery affects post-partum depression in the nulliparous. This seems to confirm that women who express a strong desire to have a natural childbirth during pregnancy but who must undergo cesarean section are more prone to the risk of postpartum depression. Another variable that was directly linked to maternal postpartum depression was infant weight at 4 weeks, which was the total effect on postpartum depression. A previous study has shown that significantly elevated risk factors for postpartum depression include concerns of infant weight gain.
The workshop, structured as a one-day, six-hour session, will utilize interactive presentations, small group discussions, and practical demonstrations to explore the biomolecular mechanisms by which the FECS and yoga practices can promote homeostasis and emotional well-being. Phytocannabinoid-based treatments are posited to enhance mood regulation and reduce stress responses in postpartum women suffering from iron deficiency. At the same time, yoga and Ayurvedic practices provide complementary support in managing physical deficiencies and enhancing mental clarity. By combining evidence-based CAM therapies, the workshop aims to empower postpartum women with tools to proactively manage their health through scientifically informed interventions tailored to the unique needs of the postpartum period.