Sex Hormone Imbalances
Breastfeeding is a complex physiological process regulated by various hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play crucial roles in preparing the body for lactation and maintaining milk production postpartum. Imbalances in these hormones may affect milk supply – let’s look at this further!
Estrogen and Its Role in Lactation
Estrogen is a key hormone in the reproductive system, responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, estrogen levels rise significantly, promoting the growth of the milk ducts in the breasts. However, after childbirth, estrogen levels drop to facilitate the onset of lactation.1 Pregnancy can also lower milk supply due to estrogen levels.
Impact of Estrogen Imbalance:
- High Estrogen Levels: Elevated estrogen levels postpartum can inhibit milk production. This is because high estrogen levels lower the secretion of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.1 Treatments such as estrogen therapy or hormonal contraceptives can lead to elevated estrogen levels, potentially reducing milk supply.1 It is important to talk to your healthcare provider regarding contraceptive options that support lactation.2
- Low Estrogen Levels: While low estrogen levels are typical during breastfeeding, excessively low levels can lead to symptoms such as vaginal dryness which may be uncomfortable for the mom.3
Progesterone and Its Role in Lactation
Progesterone works alongside estrogen during pregnancy to prepare the breasts for milk production by promoting the development of the alveoli, the milk-producing glands. Progesterone levels also drop sharply after childbirth, which is necessary for the initiation of lactation. Pregnancy can also lower milk supply due to progesterone levels.
Impact of Progesterone Imbalance:
- High Progesterone Levels: Elevated progesterone levels can inhibit the action of prolactin, similar to estrogen. This can occur in conditions where parts of the placenta remain in the mom, progesterone production continues postpartum, which often delays the onset of lactation.4
- Low Progesterone Levels: While low progesterone levels are necessary for lactation, extremely low levels can be associated with other hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid hormone and cortisol imbalances, insulin resistance) that may affect overall health and well-being, potentially impacting breastfeeding indirectly.1
Your healthcare provider can order different labs to detect where your progesterone and estrogen levels are, and a lactation consultant can work with you to maintain your milk supply.
What If I Have Questions?
If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:
- Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
- Lactation Q & A
To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.
Want More Info?
For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:
Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical evaluation or consultation. Please seek advice from your own healthcare providers for individualized recommendations.
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