How Breast/Bodyfeeding Impacts Menstruation

Breast or bodyfeeding is not only a beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her newborn but also a crucial source of nourishment for the baby. Many women are aware that breastfeeding can affect their body in various ways, including hormonal changes. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating relationship between breast/bodyfeeding and menstrual cycles and discuss how it can impact your hormonal health, including the potential for irregular menstrual cycles.

How Does Breast/bodyfeeding Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?

Breast/bodyfeeding can temporarily suppress your menstrual cycle, a phenomenon called lactational amenorrhea. Here's how it works:

Prolactin Production: When a person bodyfeeds, their body produces higher levels of a hormone called prolactin. Prolactin is responsible for stimulating milk production in the mammary glands. This increase in prolactin can inhibit the release of another hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which, in turn, affects the menstrual cycle.

Anovulatory Cycles: The presence of high prolactin levels can lead to anovulatory cycles, where an egg is not released from the ovaries. This means that even though you are not ovulating, you may still experience some menstrual bleeding.

Delay in the Return of Menstruation: The more frequently and exclusively you breastfeed, the longer it may take for your menstrual cycle to return. Some folks may not menstruate for several months, while others may not experience a return to regular cycles until they begin weaning.

Benefits of Breast/bodyfeeding on Menstrual Health:

Bodyfeeding offers several benefits for your menstrual health:

Natural Contraception: Exclusive breastfeeding can serve as a natural form of contraception during the first six months postpartum, known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM). It can be up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy when specific criteria are met.

Reduced Risk of Certain Gynecological Conditions: Some studies suggest that extended breastfeeding may be associated with a reduced risk of certain gynecological conditions such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer. These potential benefits are thought to be related to the hormonal changes brought about by lactational amenorrhea.

Challenges and Considerations: While bodyfeeding can provide certain advantages for menstrual health, it's essential to be aware of potential challenges and considerations:

Variance in Return of Menstruation: The timing of the return of your menstrual cycle can vary widely among individuals. Some people may see it return relatively soon, while others may not experience it for a more extended period.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Even when your menstrual cycle returns, it can be irregular due to breastfeeding. Irregular cycles may involve variations in cycle length, menstrual flow, and symptoms such as cramping. It's important to understand that irregular cycles are a common occurrence during the postpartum period and while breastfeeding.

Fertility and Family Planning: Breastfeeding should not be relied upon as a foolproof method of contraception, especially if you're not following LAM guidelines or if you want to actively avoid pregnancy. For this reason I recommend using an additional form of contracption such as the Fertility Awareness Method to pinpoint your fertile window to avoid conception if desired.

Nutritional Needs: To maintain your own health and support breastfeeding, it's crucial to pay attention to your nutritional needs and maintain a well-balanced diet.

Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle, fertility, or any related health issues while breastfeeding, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider, preferably one with expertise in hormone health and postpartum care.

Bodyfeeding is a unique and incredible journey that has various effects on the body, including the menstrual cycle. Understanding how breastfeeding can impact your hormonal health, including the potential for irregular menstrual cycles, is essential for new mothers. Irregular cycles are a common part of the postpartum experience and may be influenced by various factors, including the intensity and frequency of breastfeeding.

By embracing the experience of breastfeeding while staying informed about its effects on your body, you can navigate this precious time in your life with confidence and good health. Your health and well-being are of paramount importance during this transformative phase of life. For more information and personalized guidance on hormone health, menstrual cycles, fertility, and postpartum care, please schedule a consult -- I'd love to help.