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Can breastfeeding cause high estrogen?

Understanding the Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Estrogen Levels
Breastfeeding is a complex physiological process that significantly influences a woman’s hormonal landscape. While many assume that breastfeeding might elevate estrogen levels due to the demands of lactation, the reality is quite different. In fact, breastfeeding is generally associated with lower estrogen levels during the lactation period.
Hormonal Changes During Breastfeeding
After childbirth, a woman’s body undergoes a dramatic shift in hormone levels. Estrogen, along with progesterone, typically drops significantly. This decline is a natural response to the body’s need to prioritize milk production over reproductive functions. During breastfeeding, the hormone prolactin plays a crucial role; it is responsible for milk production and has an inhibitory effect on estrogen and testosterone levels. As prolactin levels rise, estrogen levels tend to decrease, creating a hormonal environment that supports lactation while suppressing ovulation.
The Impact of Extended Breastfeeding
Research indicates that the duration of breastfeeding can have long-term effects on hormone levels. Women who breastfeed for extended periods—two years or longer—may experience higher levels of certain hormones, such as anti-Müllerian hormone, which is linked to ovarian reserve and reproductive aging. This suggests that prolonged breastfeeding could potentially delay menopause. However, this does not imply an increase in estrogen; rather, it reflects a complex interplay of various hormones that can influence reproductive health over time.
Estrogen and Breastfeeding: A Misconception
A common misconception is that breastfeeding might lead to elevated estrogen levels. In reality, the hormonal environment during lactation is characterized by lower estrogen levels. This is beneficial for many reasons, including reducing the risk of certain reproductive cancers and aiding in postpartum recovery. The hormonal balance achieved through breastfeeding is essential for both the mother’s health and the successful establishment of breastfeeding itself.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding does not cause high estrogen levels; instead, it is associated with lower estrogen levels due to the dominance of prolactin and the body’s natural postpartum hormonal adjustments. Understanding these hormonal dynamics is crucial for new mothers as they navigate the challenges of breastfeeding and postpartum recovery. The hormonal changes that occur during this period are not only vital for milk production but also play a significant role in the overall health and well-being of the mother.

What are the symptoms of high estrogen?

High estrogen symptoms include irregular menses, breast swelling, mood problems, decreased sex drive, weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, and insomnia. It can lead to reproductive issues like PCOS, painful periods, dense breast tissue, fibroids, and increased endometriosis pain.

What are the side effects of stopping breastfeeding?

Some might experience headaches or migraines, while others feel exhausted or even dizzy immediately after weaning. Another common post-weaning issue? Acne. Big hormone changes can really throw your body for a loop.

How long does it take for hormones to balance after breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

What is estrogen dominance after pregnancy?

Estrogen levels after pregnancy remain at the same high level, resulting in what is called estrogen dominance. It’s totally normal for you to feel moody and emotional from this hormonal roller coaster. You may even find yourself crying, seemingly for no reason.

When do estrogen levels normalize postpartum?

But, in general, here’s how long it takes these hormones to return to normal, pre-pregnancy levels (note that these timeframes can be highly dependent on how long breastfeeding is continued): Estrogen: 12 weeks to 12 months postpartum, depending on when menstrual cycle resumes.

Does stopping breastfeeding increase estrogen?

When you start to wean your baby off the breast, the feel-good hormones of prolactin (which makes us feel calm and content) and Oxytocin (our “love” and “bonding” hormone) drop, triggering a rise in estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to a variety of post-weaning symptoms that affect women in a variety of ways.

How to regulate hormones after breastfeeding?

Eat Proteins – Proteins are necessary for your body to produce and regulate hormones. Try including more proteins and lean meats. Eat Fiber – Your body releases estrogen through bowel movements, so constipation can cause excess estrogen to be absorbed back into the bloodstream. Eat enough fiber to help you go.

What are the signs of low estrogen?

Signs of low estrogen include:

  • Dry skin.
  • Tender breasts.
  • Weak or brittle bones.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Moodiness and irritability.
  • Vaginal dryness or atrophy.
  • Hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Irregular periods or no periods (amenorrhea).

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding too long?

For example, duration of breastfeeding experience has been shown to correlate negatively with parent-reported antisocial and aggressive behavior in children from 4 to 11 years of age [43]. These effects on antisocial behavior appear to extend well beyond childhood into adulthood.

Does breastfeeding increase estrogen?

Estrogen decreases prior to birth and throughout breastfeeding though it gradually recovers to reach normal levels by about 6 months or at cessation of lactation [10]. The number of times estrogen status persists at low levels for several weeks does not seem to be associated with OA.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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