It is completely normal to experience intense emotions, including frequent crying, in the days and weeks following an abortion. This response is often a combination of biological changes and the natural processing of a significant life event.
At Serenity Choice, we want you to know that your feelings are valid, and there is a physical reason for much of what you are experiencing.
1. The Hormonal Crash
The most immediate cause for crying is the rapid drop in pregnancy hormones.
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The Shift: When a pregnancy ends, your levels of estrogen and progesterone plummet. This is the same biological mechanism that causes the “baby blues” or severe PMS.
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The Window: This hormonal withdrawal usually peaks between 4 to 7 days after the procedure. During this time, you may find yourself crying over things that wouldn’t normally upset you, or feeling a sense of overwhelming sadness or anxiety.
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The Reset: As your body’s endocrine system stabilizes over the next few weeks, these “spontaneous” crying spells typically subside.
2. Emotional Processing and Relief
Emotions are rarely one-dimensional. It is common to feel a complex mix of things at once:
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Relief vs. Sadness: Many people feel a deep sense of relief that the situation is resolved, yet they still find themselves crying. This is often just the body’s way of releasing the accumulated stress of the previous weeks.
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Grief and Loss: Even when you are confident in your decision, it is normal to acknowledge a sense of loss. Allow yourself the space to mourn the “what ifs” without it meaning you regret your choice.
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Mental Fatigue: The process of navigating logistics, privacy, and the procedure itself is exhausting. Once you are in a safe space to recover, your mind may finally “let go,” which often manifests as crying.
3. When to Seek Extra Support
While crying is a healthy release, you should reach out to a professional if:
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The feelings of sadness or hopelessness are so intense that you cannot care for yourself.
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The crying spells do not begin to ease after two or three weeks.
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You are experiencing thoughts of self-harm.
Support at Serenity Choice Health
You don’t have to navigate these emotions in isolation.
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Non-Judgmental Care: Our Telehealth Abortion Care team is trained to support both your physical and emotional recovery.
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Counseling Referrals: We can connect you with specialized counselors who offer a “pro-choice” space to process your experience.
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Free Services: As part of our commitment to a safe and private experience, we offer follow-up support for all qualifying patients at no cost.
Do you feel like your crying is mostly tied to the physical “crash” of the last few days, or are there specific thoughts or external pressures that are making things feel harder? Contact our medical team or book a confidential appointment—we are here to listen and help you through this transition.
Dr. James Carter is a board-certified physician and lead clinician at Serenity Choice Health, specializing in reproductive health access and medication abortion protocols. With over 20+ years of experience, he combines clinical expertise with patient-centered care to ensure safe, compassionate, and confidential reproductive healthcare.
