Which hormones are high when breastfeeding?

The Hormonal Symphony of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not just a nurturing act; it is a complex physiological process governed by a delicate balance of hormones. After childbirth, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes that facilitate lactation, primarily involving prolactin and oxytocin.
Prolactin is the key hormone responsible for milk production. Its levels rise significantly after delivery, signaling the mammary glands to produce milk. This hormone is crucial during the early days of breastfeeding, as it helps establish and maintain milk supply. As the baby suckles, sensory signals from the nipple stimulate further prolactin release, ensuring that milk production meets the infant’s demands .
Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” plays a vital role in the ejection of milk. When the baby suckles, oxytocin is released, causing the muscles around the milk ducts to contract and push milk toward the nipple. This process, known as the “let-down reflex,” is essential for effective breastfeeding. The emotional bond fostered by oxytocin also enhances the mother-infant connection, making breastfeeding a deeply intimate experience.
In the backdrop of these primary hormones, estrogen and progesterone also play roles, albeit indirectly. During pregnancy, levels of these hormones are elevated, preparing the body for lactation. However, after childbirth, their levels drop sharply, which is necessary for the transition to breastfeeding. This decline allows prolactin and oxytocin to take center stage.
The interplay of these hormones is not just about milk production and ejection; it also influences the mother’s emotional state and physical well-being. For instance, the release of oxytocin during breastfeeding can promote feelings of relaxation and bonding, which are beneficial for both mother and child.
In summary, the hormonal landscape during breastfeeding is characterized by high levels of prolactin and oxytocin, which are essential for milk production and ejection, respectively. The decline of estrogen and progesterone post-delivery sets the stage for these critical hormones to function effectively, ensuring that mothers can provide nourishment and comfort to their newborns.

Is your progesterone high when breastfeeding?

After birth, progesterone levels decline sharply. Since progesterone had been inhibiting the role of prolactin in milk production during pregnancy, this rapid drop in progesterone allows prolactin to become engaged in the lactation process.

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.

Which hormone is stimulated during lactation?

When you’re lactating, your body produces prolactin, the hormone that produces milk. Prolactin reduces the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your body, which helps trigger the release of an egg during ovulation.

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.

What hormones are high and low during breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding induces oxytocin release from the brain, which signals the breasts to release milk. Oxytocin levels remain high with baby suckling and then fall when not nursing. Higher oxytocin means higher prolactin and lower cortisol 5. Prolactin is the other essential hormone released during breastfeeding.

What hormones shift 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.

Are breastfed babies more attached to their mothers?

Breastfeeding and mother–infant attachment
Moreover, in a prospective longitudinal study of 675 mother–infant dyads, increased duration of breastfeeding was associated with maternal sensitive responsiveness, increased attachment security, and decreased attachment disorganization when infants were 14 months of age [71].

What is the happy hormone while breastfeeding?

Oxytocin is also known as the ‘breastfeeding bonding hormone’ and can produce a warm and typically content emotional state in us. Thanks, oxytocin!

Is your LH high when breastfeeding?

The luteinizing hormone (LH) remains low during lactation but at weaning, LH concentrations increase as prolactin levels decrease.

What are the signs of high progesterone?

Symptoms of High Progesterone

• Breast swelling and tenderness.
• Water retention and bloating.
• Fatigue.
• Anxiety or agitation.
• Depression.
• Reduced sex drive.
• Weight gain.