The placenta produces hormones during pregnancy. This is often given as a reason for taking placenta capsules after birth, but the presence of hormones does not establish that capsules provide effective or predictable hormone treatment.
What does the research tell us?
A small placebo-controlled pilot study examined salivary hormones in people taking placenta capsules. Preliminary findings from a small study cannot establish clinical benefits or a standard dose.
Capsules should not be used to self-treat hormonal symptoms. Speak to your healthcare professional about persistent fatigue, mood changes or other symptoms after birth.
Further reading: pilot study of placentophagy and salivary hormones.