Do Breastfeeding and Menstruation Go Together?

Many women do not know this, but it is possible not to menstruate throughout the entire breastfeeding period! Yes, the hormones responsible for breastfeeding, oxytocin and prolactin, can prevent menstruation from occurring as usual. That’s where the concerns begin…

The fact that a woman does not menstruate while breastfeeding can create the false impression that she cannot get pregnant. Thus, many women leave their cycle as it is and do not use any medication to prevent a new pregnancy. But beware, even without menstruating, it is possible to get pregnant! In fact, ovulation occurs before the first menstruation in the vast majority of cases. Women who have recently given birth, from 30 to 60 days after delivery, should talk to their doctor at the first postnatal appointment and already start contraceptive medication if they do not want another baby¹. This medication is exclusively progesterone-based and does not cause any problems for breastfeeding or the baby.

Breastfeeding and menstruation can indeed coexist in harmony. Some women are able to have a normal menstrual cycle even while breastfeeding. There are quite frequent reports of women with a short postpartum period whose cycle is already regular as it was before pregnancy. On the other hand, some women can go up to a year without menstruating.

It is common to have spotting, but if nothing comes, that is also normal. This is the result of hormonal changes over several months… Furthermore, progesterone, estrogen, LH and FSH levels can vary greatly when combined with prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin, which is the official breastfeeding hormone, can block the increase of other hormones. That is why it is very common for the doctor to request tests to check prolactin levels when a woman wants to become pregnant and is unable to. The aim is to check if the level of prolactin is excessively high and preventing the other hormones from working properly.

Once again: a breastfeeding woman may not menstruate, but she can initiate the ovulation process and get pregnant at any time during intercourse. Even more so if breastfeeding is slowing down. When a woman reduces feedings, she produces less milk and, as a result, less prolactin and oxytocin are stimulated².

What Happens to Menstruation During Breastfeeding?

Menstruation during breastfeeding, as mentioned earlier, can disappear for a while, but it is also possible to menstruate on and off from cycle to cycle, or only sporadically. Furthermore, nursing mothers can have recurring spotting during this period.

Spotting, light blood, pinkish blood, and even small flows of bright red blood are possible. Even women who take contraceptives continuously, specifically for the breastfeeding phase, can have these spotting episodes. They are a reflection of hormones returning to balance after the pregnancy phase.

It is important to remember that pregnancy caused instability for 9 months and the body needs the same or even more time to adjust. After giving birth, a woman may therefore experience an altered cycle.

Before pregnancy, for example, a woman might have menstruated for a medium amount for 4 days. After childbirth, she may experience heavy flow for 6 days or more! Of course, each case is different, not everyone has these changes, but if it happens it is normal. In this case, a doctor should assess the situation and decide what to do.

Remember, not menstruating during breastfeeding is normal³. Menstruating is also normal! This varies according to each body and how it reacts to hormonal changes during this phase. Talk to your gynecologist and see the best way to handle the situation.

Important Tip: It is essential for breastfeeding moms to keep their body nourished and healthy to provide, through milk, the ideal amount of vitamins and minerals that the baby needs. That is why we recommend using multivitamins like FamiGesta.