What hormones decrease during breastfeeding?

The Hormonal Landscape of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a complex physiological process that involves a delicate balance of hormones, which shift dramatically after childbirth. Understanding which hormones decrease during this period is crucial for grasping how breastfeeding affects both mother and infant.
Estrogen and Progesterone: The Major Declines
One of the most significant changes postpartum is the sharp decline in estrogen and progesterone levels. During pregnancy, these hormones are produced in high quantities by the placenta, playing vital roles in maintaining the pregnancy and preparing the body for breastfeeding. However, once the placenta is delivered, estrogen and progesterone levels plummet, which is essential for initiating lactation. This drop is crucial as it allows other hormones, particularly prolactin and oxytocin, to take center stage in the breastfeeding process.
Prolactin: A Temporary Surge Followed by Decline
While prolactin levels initially rise to support milk production, they do not remain elevated indefinitely. After the first week postpartum, prolactin levels decrease by about 50%. This hormone is responsible for stimulating milk synthesis in the mammary glands, and its levels are closely tied to the frequency of breastfeeding. As the infant suckles, prolactin is released, promoting continued milk production. However, as breastfeeding becomes more established and the body adapts, the need for high levels of prolactin diminishes.
Oxytocin: The Ejection Reflex
Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” also plays a critical role during breastfeeding. It is responsible for the milk ejection reflex, allowing milk to flow from the mammary glands to the nipple when the baby suckles. While oxytocin levels can fluctuate based on the frequency of breastfeeding, they generally remain elevated during the act of nursing. However, outside of breastfeeding sessions, oxytocin levels can decrease, reflecting the body’s adaptation to the breastfeeding routine.
The Impact of Hormonal Changes
The decrease in estrogen and progesterone, alongside the fluctuations in prolactin and oxytocin, can have various effects on a mother’s body. For instance, the drop in estrogen can lead to changes in mood and physical sensations, contributing to the risk of postpartum depression. Additionally, these hormonal shifts can influence the mother’s metabolism and overall health, making it essential for new mothers to be aware of these changes and seek support if needed.
In summary, the hormonal landscape during breastfeeding is characterized by a significant decrease in estrogen and progesterone, alongside a complex interplay of prolactin and oxytocin. These changes are vital for establishing and maintaining breastfeeding, while also impacting the mother’s physical and emotional well-being. Understanding this hormonal shift can help mothers navigate the challenges of breastfeeding and postpartum recovery more effectively.

What hormones change during lactation?

Hormones for lactation
When your baby suckles, it stimulates nerves that tell your body to release prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin causes the alveoli to make milk and oxytocin causes muscle contractions that push out of the alveoli and through the milk ducts.

How can I increase my estrogen and progesterone while breastfeeding?

How to increase estrogen levels during breastfeeding

1. Legumes – lentils and beans.
2. Garlic oil.
3. Nuts and seeds.
4. Flaxseeds and sesame seeds.
5. Soy-miso and tofu.
6. Fruits – dried fruits and oranges, strawberries and peaches.
7. Vegetables – kale, sprouts, celery.
8. Dark chocolate.

What are the symptoms of low progesterone while breastfeeding?

Prolactin production suppresses ovulation, especially during the first six months after delivery, and with no ovulation progesterone production is incredibly low. Symptoms of low progesterone can include anxiety, depression, mood swings, low libido, and insomnia.

Does pumping release the same hormones as breastfeeding?

Mechanical breast pumping, but not bottle-feeding was associated with oxytocin and prolactin release and decreased stress levels. Emergency caesarean section reduced oxytocin and prolactin release in response to breastfeeding and also maternal mental adaptations.

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 hormone drops 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 are low during 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.

What are the happy hormones during breastfeeding?

The release of oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone,” represents one of the most profound psychological benefits of breastfeeding. Oxytocin is a neurochemical released during breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, playing a pivotal role in fostering a deep emotional connection between the mother and her baby.

What is the biggest hormone drop in postpartum?

If it’s the latter, the most significant potential change to your hormones around six months postpartum is the decrease of the hormone prolactin, the milk-making hormone. However, this change depends on your baby’s nursing patterns and if you’ve begun to wean.

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).