Why is my period absent during lactation?

Understanding Absence of Periods During Lactation
For many new mothers, the absence of menstruation during breastfeeding can be both a relief and a source of confusion. This phenomenon, known as lactational amenorrhea, is a natural biological response that occurs due to the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding.
The Role of Hormones
When a woman breastfeeds, her body produces higher levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Elevated prolactin levels inhibit the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), both of which are crucial for ovulation and the menstrual cycle. As a result, the suppression of these hormones can lead to a delay in the return of menstruation, especially in the early months postpartum when breastfeeding is frequent and intense.
Variability Among Women
It’s important to note that the duration of lactational amenorrhea can vary significantly from one woman to another. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, whether the baby is exclusively breastfed or supplemented with formula, and individual hormonal differences all play a role in determining when menstruation will resume. Some women may experience a return of their periods as early as six weeks postpartum, while others may not see their cycles return for several months or even longer.
Exclusive Breastfeeding and Its Impact
Research indicates that exclusive breastfeeding—where the baby receives only breast milk without any supplemental feeding—can prolong the absence of menstruation. This is particularly true if breastfeeding occurs both day and night. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, which aligns with the natural contraceptive effect of lactation.
Other Influencing Factors
In addition to breastfeeding practices, other factors can influence the return of menstruation. Emotional stress, changes in weight, and overall health can also impact hormonal balance and menstrual cycles. For some women, the body may take longer to adjust back to its pre-pregnancy hormonal state, leading to extended periods of amenorrhea.
Conclusion
In summary, the absence of periods during lactation is primarily due to the hormonal changes triggered by breastfeeding. While this can provide a natural form of contraception, the timing of the return of menstruation varies widely among women. Understanding these biological processes can help new mothers navigate this unique phase of motherhood with greater clarity and confidence.

Is it normal to have a phantom period while breastfeeding?

If you begin menstruating again while you’re breastfeeding, you may experience spotting and irregular periods and wonder what’s going on. It’s completely normal to have inconsistent cycles when you’re breastfeeding a baby, and you can chalk it up to the same hormones that caused amenorrhea.

How do I know if I’m having a phantom period?

The symptoms of phantom periods include abdominal cramps, fatigue, tenderness in the breasts, mood swings, bloating, and overall discomfort.

How come you don’t have a period while breastfeeding?

This is called lactational amenorrhea. Fully breastfeeding means the baby relies completely on breastfeeding for nourishment and for all sucking needs. Frequent nursing inhibits the release of hormones that cause your body to begin the monthly preparations for a new pregnancy.

Is it possible to be pregnant while breastfeeding without period?

Yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding, even if you haven’t had your first menstrual cycle since giving birth. However, if you are exclusively breastfeeding — feeding your baby only breast milk at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night — your body naturally stops ovulating.

Why does menstruation stop during lactation?

Prolactin also prevents menstruation. Breast-feeding keeps these hormone levels high, so the longer you nurse, the more likely you will experience a light period, or no period at all. On the flip side, as you wean your baby off of breast milk, your periods will likely return relatively quickly.

Can lactation cause missed periods?

It’s not unusual to skip a period, or even for it to be a few months before your next one. When you start reducing the amount of time you spend breastfeeding, your periods should start to return to their usual routine. You should talk to your doctor about your periods if you are having: changes in their usual pattern.

Why is there no menstruation during lactation?

Breastfeeding delays the resumption of normal ovarian cycles by disrupting the pattern of pulsatile release of GnRH from the hypothalamus and hence LH from the pituitary.

What are the signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

In the early stage or first trimester of your pregnancy, you may have nipple tenderness and breast soreness. You may have a decreased food and water intake due to morning sickness and feel tired. Such physical discomfort may increase while breastfeeding.

How to get your period back while breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding exclusively, your periods may not start again until you stop breastfeeding or until you stop night-time breastfeeding. This is because the hormone that causes your body to make breastmilk can stop your body making the hormone that controls your periods.

What is the maximum delay in periods if not pregnant?

If you don’t have any known condition affecting your menstrual cycle, your period should start within 24 to 38 days of your last period, depending on your usual cycle. If you’re 7 days past your expected due date, it is considered late. After 6 weeks, you can consider your late period a missed period.