Many women suffer from the baby blues after giving birth, not to mention the sleep deprivation blues and the will I ever be alone with my husband again blues, as well as the the baby is out so why do I still look five months pregnant blues. But in all seriousness, many also suffer from the very real and often debilitating disorder that is postpartum depression.

Hopeful researchers this week announced, however, that they may have found the missing link in treating the condition. Early research suggests that women who suffer from postpartum depression have higher levels of copper circulating in their bloodstream than women who are not depressed or who have non-pregnancy related depression. During pregnancy, copper levels double and in most women regulate after birth. The theory is that a genetic flaw prevents the regulation of copper in some women. Because the metal can wreak havoc with mood-regulating chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, researchers theorize that this excess of copper might be the problem.

More definitive research is needed, but one researcher in the study has had success treating patients with supplements that bring their copper levels back to normal. This is hopeful news, for sure.