Postpartum depression co-occurring with lactation-related osteoporosis

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression may present with somatic complaints. However, all somatic symptoms do not indicate a possible depression diagnosis. One of the clinical pictures related to physical complaints is osteoporosis in late pregnancy and lactation (PLO); this is a rare disorder, and its pathophysiology remains unknown.

Objective: The authors report here a case of PLO and depression in a 35-year-old primiparous patient with acute low back pain and postpartum depression 4 weeks after caesarean section.

Method: Diagnosis was made by DXA scan and magnetic resonance imaging. Depression was assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Results: The patient achieved pain relief through treatment with calcium, vitamin D, calcitonin, weekly alendronate, and venlafaxine for depression.

Conclusion: PLO and depression may have a common etiopathogenesis that needs further investigation.