Does estrogen go down after breastfeeding?

Understanding Estrogen Levels Post-Breastfeeding
The journey of motherhood brings with it a complex interplay of hormones, particularly during and after pregnancy. One of the most significant hormonal changes occurs with estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including reproductive health.
Estrogen Decline After Birth
Immediately following childbirth, estrogen levels experience a dramatic decline. This drop is primarily due to the delivery of the placenta, which is the main source of estrogen during pregnancy. As the placenta detaches, the body sees a precipitous fall in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can contribute to feelings of sadness or the “baby blues” that many new mothers experience.
Impact of Breastfeeding on Estrogen Levels
During breastfeeding, the hormonal landscape shifts again. While prolactin and oxytocin levels rise to facilitate milk production and bonding with the baby, estrogen levels remain relatively low. This hormonal environment is essential for breastfeeding, as high levels of estrogen can inhibit milk production.
Interestingly, research indicates that the duration of breastfeeding can influence estrogen levels in the long term. Women who breastfeed for extended periods—two years or more—may experience different hormonal outcomes compared to those who breastfeed for shorter durations. Specifically, longer breastfeeding is associated with higher blood levels of anti-Müllerian hormone and a later onset of menopause.
Post-Breastfeeding Hormonal Changes
Once breastfeeding ceases, estrogen levels begin to rise again. The decrease in prolactin and oxytocin allows for the re-establishment of the menstrual cycle and the return of estrogen and progesterone to pre-pregnancy levels . This transition can take several months, with estrogen levels typically stabilizing around six months after stopping breastfeeding.
In summary, estrogen levels do indeed decrease after childbirth and remain low during breastfeeding. However, they gradually rise again once breastfeeding is discontinued, reflecting the body’s return to its pre-pregnancy hormonal state. This intricate hormonal dance is vital for both the health of the mother and the successful nurturing of the newborn.

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 side effects of drying up breast milk?

Fever (temperature of 100.4°F or higher) • Chills • Aches • Weakness • Breast pain, redness or warmth while weaning.

Do estrogen levels drop after breastfeeding?

Estrogen: All women have low levels of estrogen for the first couple of months after giving birth. Continued breastfeeding extends this period for at least six months. For a few women, lower levels may last as long as they are nursing. Lower estrogen levels may cause vaginal dryness, tightness and tenderness.

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 hormones crash after stopping breastfeeding?

“As women wean, the oxytocin stores start to go back to non-pregnant levels,” O’Neill says. “Oxytocin is known as the love hormone, so as it decreases you may feel sad, irritable or grumpy. Many women attribute this to fatigue, but the feeling is real and regulated by our hormones.”

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.

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 breastfeeding mess with your hormones?

The production of prolactin can also inhibit the hormones that are responsible for ovulation, so you may notice that you don’t get your period if you’re exclusively breastfeeding.

Does your body change after you stop breastfeeding?

Your body will go through many changes when you stop breastfeeding. Expect differences in: Breast size and shape. Your breasts will probably get smaller again, although it may take several months.

How long does it take for estrogen levels to return to normal after birth control?

If you’ve decided to get off of birth control, you can stop taking it at any time. On average, your body returns to what’s normal for you after about 3 months. You might have some side effects as your body adjusts to changes in your hormone levels.