Hormonal Changes in Fathers
During pregnancy, just like the birthing mother, the expectant father also experiences changes in hormone levels.
A study was published in the America Journal of Human Biology conducted by Robin Edelstein. She swabbed the mouths of couples who were expecting their first baby throughout the pregnancy at 8 week intervals. They measured levels of testosterone, estradiol, cortisol and progesterone in both the expectant mother and father.
What was discovered is that the expectant fathers testosterone and estradiol levels began to slowly decrease throughout the pregnancy. And not just that, they discovered that the levels of some hormones appeared linked to those of their pregnant partner. There is a form of interdependence happening amongst expecting couples.
Once the babies were born, it was observed that the men that had the larger drops of testosterone levels seemed to be more engaged with their babies and also more supportive of their partners.
Testosterone levels will continue to stay at a lower level during his life as a father and partner.
Natures purpose in lowering a fathers testosterone levels is to keep him engaged with the infant, alert to baby’s needs, listening for baby’s cues, to behave more lovingly towards his baby and partner. This ensures the family unit and survival of the baby.
