Is it safe to take progesterone while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Progesterone While Breastfeeding
The question of whether it is safe to take progesterone while breastfeeding is a nuanced one, with various factors to consider. Progesterone, a hormone crucial for regulating various bodily functions, is often prescribed for different medical conditions, including hormonal imbalances and certain reproductive health issues. However, its use during breastfeeding raises concerns among new mothers and healthcare providers alike.
Current Research and Findings
Recent studies and expert opinions suggest that progesterone is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), the levels of progesterone found in breast milk are low, even when high doses are administered. This means that the amount ingested by a breastfeeding infant is minimal and is not expected to cause adverse effects.
Moreover, a systematic review highlighted that progestogen-only contraceptives, which include progesterone, are unlikely to have a detrimental impact on breastfeeding or infant outcomes. This is particularly relevant for postpartum women seeking effective contraception while nursing.
Considerations for Mothers
While the consensus leans towards safety, it is essential for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any hormonal treatment. The individual health circumstances of the mother, including any underlying conditions or specific health concerns, should guide the decision-making process. For instance, some healthcare professionals may advise against breastfeeding while on progesterone, particularly if there are concerns about hormonal interference with lactation.
Additionally, the benefits of progesterone for certain conditions, such as postpartum depression, can be significant. Some studies indicate that women suffering from prolonged depression after childbirth may find relief through progesterone therapy, which can be safely administered during breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while progesterone is generally deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is crucial to approach this treatment with caution and under medical supervision. The low levels of progesterone in breast milk and the lack of significant adverse effects on infants provide reassurance, but personalized medical advice remains paramount. Mothers should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks associated with progesterone use during breastfeeding.

Can progesterone supplements harm baby?

Does taking progesterone or progestin increase the chance of birth defects? Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. It is unlikely that using progesterone or progestin will increase the chance of birth defects.

What are the benefits of the progesterone only pill?

Progestin-only pills offer benefits beyond birth control. For example, you may have less bleeding or stop having periods altogether while taking these pills. This can be helpful if you have heavy or painful periods, or if you prefer to have less or no bleeding.

How does progesterone affect the baby?

Progesterone plays an important role in your menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Progesterone creates a healthy uterine lining to support a fertilized egg, embryo and fetus. If progesterone levels are too low during pregnancy, it could cause complications such as bleeding or miscarriage.

What is the effect of progesterone to breast?

In the breast, progesterone is proliferative and works in concert with estrogens and estrogen receptors (ERs) to induce expansion of glandular structures during development (reviewed in Brisken & O’Malley (2010)). Progesterone is a key mediator of mammary gland stem cell expansion (Brisken 2013).

Is progesterone only pill safe in breastfeeding?

After giving birth
You’ll be immediately protected against pregnancy. The mini pill is safe to use if you’re breastfeeding.

How does progesterone affect breast milk?

Despite this, progesterone is shown to have little effect on milk production. This is evident from studies conducted on rats, where the administration of 2 mg of progesterone injections during the first or second week after parturition did not markedly affect lactation [102].

What are signs of low progesterone?

What are the signs of low progesterone?

• Irregular menstrual periods.
• Headaches.
• Difficulty conceiving.
• Mood changes, anxiety or depression.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Hot flashes.
• Bloating or weight gain.

Can I take progesterone pills while breastfeeding?

The POP is a very effective and safe method of contraception for women who are breastfeeding.

What are the signs of low progesterone?

Symptoms of low progesterone in people who aren’t pregnant include:

• Irregular menstrual periods.
• Headaches.
• Difficulty conceiving.
• Mood changes, anxiety or depression.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Hot flashes.
• Bloating or weight gain.

What happens to your body when you start taking progesterone?

Common side effects include breakthrough bleeding, weight changes (increase or decrease), abdominal cramps, breast tenderness and galactorrhea (milk production), dizziness, headache, and mood changes. Anxiety, bloating, cough, diarrhea, fluid retention, muscle pain, nausea, and tiredness may also occur.