How do hormones change when you stop breastfeeding?

The Hormonal Shift After Stopping Breastfeeding
When a mother decides to stop breastfeeding, her body undergoes significant hormonal changes that can affect both her physical and emotional well-being. This transition is not merely a personal choice; it is a complex physiological process influenced by the intricate interplay of hormones.
Key Hormones Involved
During breastfeeding, two primary hormones play crucial roles: prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin is responsible for milk production, while oxytocin facilitates the milk ejection reflex and fosters feelings of bonding and relaxation between mother and child. As breastfeeding ceases, the levels of these hormones begin to decline. This drop can lead to a variety of emotional and physical responses, as both hormones are linked to feelings of contentment and intimacy.
The Decline of Prolactin and Oxytocin
As a mother weans her baby, the sensory stimulation from breastfeeding diminishes, leading to a decrease in prolactin and oxytocin levels. This reduction can result in feelings of sadness or anxiety for some women, as the comforting effects of these hormones wane. The emotional impact of this hormonal shift can be profound, often catching mothers off guard as they navigate the complexities of motherhood and personal identity during this transition.
Increase in Other Hormones
Simultaneously, the cessation of breastfeeding triggers an increase in other hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormones, which were suppressed during breastfeeding, begin to rise again, leading to a return of menstrual cycles and fertility. This hormonal resurgence can also bring about physical changes, such as alterations in mood, libido, and even body composition, as the body adjusts to its pre-pregnancy hormonal state.
Emotional and Physical Repercussions
The emotional repercussions ofHormonal Changes When Stopping Breastfeeding
When you stop breastfeeding, your body goes through significant hormonal changes. The two main hormones affected are prolactin and oxytocin.
Prolactin: This hormone is responsible for milk production. During breastfeeding, prolactin levels are elevated to maintain a steady milk supply. However, as you stop breastfeeding, prolactin levels begin to decrease.
Oxytocin: This hormone is released during breastfeeding and helps with the milk ejection reflex, or “letdown.” It also promotes feelings of calmness and bonding. As breastfeeding decreases, oxytocin levels also start to decline.
In addition, as prolactin and oxytocin levels drop, your body will begin to increase production of other hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal shift can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, such as:
– Breast engorgement and discomfort
– Mood changes, including irritability or sadness
– Decreased feelings of calmness and bonding
– Changes in sexual desire
The intensity and duration of these hormonal changes can vary from person to person, depending on factors like how quickly you wean, how frequently you were breastfeeding, and your individual hormonal profile.
Overall, the transition from breastfeeding to not breastfeeding involves a complex hormonal shift that can take some time for your body to adjust to. Being aware of these changes can help you better manage the process.

What happens to your body if you don’t breastfeed?

Not breastfeeding or weaning prematurely is associated with health risks for mothers as well as for infants. Epidemiologic data suggest that women who do not breastfeed face higher risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, as well as obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.

What does breastfeeding do to a woman’s hormones?

On top of that, breastfeeding mimics menopause due to the production of the milk-producing hormone, prolactin, temporarily blocking estrogen production, which keeps your estrogen levels low (1). Decreased estrogen levels impact vaginal tissue, temporarily decreasing elasticity, blood flow, and thinning of the tissue.

What are the side effects of not breastfeeding to the mother?

Not breastfeeding or weaning prematurely is associated with health risks for mothers as well as for infants. Epidemiologic data suggest that women who do not breastfeed face higher risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, as well as obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.

What happens when a mother stops breastfeeding?

You might need to go from one feed a day to one feed every few days to avoid engorged breasts, before stopping breastfeeding altogether. After your baby has stopped breastfeeding, you might have lumpy breasts for 5-10 days. A sore lump might indicate localised breast inflammation or the beginnings of mastitis.

How long after stopping breastfeeding do hormones return to normal?

Often your hormones settle within a few weeks and you and your child adjust to a new rhythm where breastfeeding is no longer part of your current story. These feelings of sadness and general lowness that can happen after weaning are normally temporary. Being gentle and patient with yourself is important.

What are the side effects of stopping breastfeeding?

Some parents may also experience nausea, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue when weaning. These symptoms are due to the shift in your body’s hormones during breastfeeding and possible lifestyle changes.

What does extended breastfeeding do to your body?

Evidence also indicates that breastfeeding confers benefits to mothers, lowering their risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes (2), as well as increasing the time between pregnancies (1). For many outcomes, the positive effect of breastfeeding is greater the longer breastfeeding is continued (6-8).

Will I lose weight if I stop breastfeeding?

It is it a myth that breastfeeding burns up lots of calories making milk. You will burn some stored body fat, but your body protects some fat for the purpose of breastfeeding. Many women don’t lose all the baby weight until they completely stop nursing.

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 happens to a woman’s body when she stops 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.