Is Prolonged Breastfeeding Linked to Low Estrogen Levels and Menopausal Symptoms?
At 29 years old, I weigh 125 pounds and stand 5 feet 2 inches tall. In the past four years, I have welcomed two children into my family. My second pregnancy occurred while I was still nursing my first, who was 18 months old at the time. Now, my younger child is 20 months, and I continue to breastfeed him. Recently, I have been plagued by a myriad of distressing symptoms. I’m experiencing pervasive aches throughout my body, feelings of dizziness, ongoing fatigue, relentless headaches, and a debilitating level of brain fog that hinders my ability to drive. Additionally, I find it difficult to concentrate, and I am suffering from hot flashes, muscle twitches, and joint discomfort, which seems to persist relentlessly. Some days feel worse than others, and I no longer recognize myself. At times, I worry that I might have lupus, lymphoma, or leukemia. Over the last eighteen months, I have consulted with my doctor on numerous occasions and undergone extensive blood tests, all of which returned normal results, along with X-rays, urine analyses, colonoscopies, endoscopies, brain MRIs, CT scans, and EKGs. Recently, I experienced my first menstrual period in three months, which felt significantly more intense than I recall from my past cycles. The symptoms have been considerably worse than what I experienced before the birth of my second child. My gynecologist suspects that my prolonged symptoms are hormonal; however, she mentioned that no interventions can be made while I am still breastfeeding. The last time my estrogen levels were checked, in September of the previous year, they were recorded at 20.7 pg/mL. I am curious if continuing to breastfeed maintains low estrogen levels indefinitely until complete weaning occurs or if hormonal balance is restored once menstruation resumes. Is it normal for me to be concerned about this? Will my well-being improve once I stop breastfeeding?
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 9:21:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your health, especially when facing a combination of distressing symptoms after having two children and while continuing to breastfeed. Your experience is not uncommon for mothers who breastfeed for a prolonged period, as it can affect hormonal levels, including estrogen.
Explanation of Your Symptoms
Breastfeeding can suppress ovulation, which often results in lower estrogen levels. This can lead to multiple symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, hot flashes, and cognitive issues (brain fog). Since your menstrual cycle has just resumed after a three-month absence, this may indicate a shift in your hormonal balance, but it can take time for your body to fully regulate itself after the hormonal changes from pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It’s completely normal to feel anxious or worried about your health when experiencing such diverse and impactful symptoms. Given that extensive testing has not revealed any serious underlying conditions, it seems that your body is adjusting to these hormonal fluctuations.
Actionable Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and anything that seems to trigger or alleviate them. This will help you and your healthcare provider better understand your situation.
-
Consider Weaning Gradually: If you and your child are both ready, gently beginning the weaning process could help restore your hormonal balance more quickly. Reducing breastfeeding sessions gradually rather than stopping abruptly may minimize discomfort for both of you.
-
Optimize Self-Care:
- Hydration: Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day which can help with fatigue and brain fog.
- Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats which supports overall health and hormone balance.
- Rest and Sleep: Prioritize getting enough sleep and incorporate relaxation techniques or gentle activities like yoga, which may alleviate some symptoms.
-
Monitor Menstrual Changes: As your menstrual cycles continue, keep track of any changes in your symptoms correlating with your cycle. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider.
-
Communication with Providers: Continue to work closely with your healthcare provider. If your symptoms worsen or you have additional concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out for further evaluation or to explore potential treatment options once you're able to wean fully.
By addressing potential hormonal imbalances and maintaining self-care, there is a good chance your overall well-being will improve in time. You're not alone in this experience, and it's positive that you're seeking answers.
Related Questions
Managing Stress Without CBT: Seeking Resources and Support
Current Health Overview: I have a diagnosis of F38 with Hashimoto’s and subclinical hypothyroidism for which I take levothyroxine, as well as ADHD controlled with a dosage of 54mg of Xaggat. Stress Triggers: As a single parent of three children with special educational needs and no daycare support, my situation has become increasingly challenging. A few years back, my youngest child's sleep issues led to a significant decline in my own rest, resulting in chronic sleep deprivation. The sleep disturbances my son experienced began to take a toll on my health. I found myself battling a host of unusual symptoms, from severe back pain to involuntary body jolts during moments of rest. Initially, I was convinced my health was deteriorating. After numerous consultations, a doctor finally confirmed that stress compounded by lack of sleep was the root of my problems. I have dabbled in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been somewhat helpful; however, daily fluctuations of low to high stress levels persist without respite. No matter how much I wish to escape it, the stress remains omnipresent. Among the consistent physical manifestations of my stress, beyond persistent discomfort in my armpits, is a jarring sensation as if I’m being startled while trying to relax lying down. This only heightens my anxiety, forcing me to repeatedly remind myself that it is merely a reaction to stress and exhaustion. While I recognize the significance of maintaining a nutritious diet and regular exercise, these feel more like additional pressures rather than helpful practices. At the moment, my primary focus is on keeping my environment organized and ensuring I uphold basic hygiene; that’s about all the self-care I can handle right now. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for audiobooks presented by qualified medical professionals that can assist me in effectively managing stress. I am not interested in self-help material authored by untrained motivational speakers. Additionally, I welcome any other supportive advice you may have.
Seeking Insights on a New Medication Prescription
Recently, I visited a clinic as a new patient to initiate my healthcare journey. It had been a few years since my last check-up. I had previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure, for which lisinopril at 10 mg had been effective. After losing some weight, I managed to bring my blood pressure under control and subsequently stopped taking the medication. Life brought a series of stressful transitions, including a move, and I never resumed regular visits to my doctor. To keep track of my progress, I use a home monitor, which usually records my readings between 125/75 and 145/88. Given those fluctuations, I anticipated needing to return to blood pressure medication. I sought help from this clinic due to recent digestive troubles, which prompted a visit to urgent care. Following an evaluation there, the doctor suspected I might have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). However, when I visited the new clinic to re-establish care, I felt overwhelmed, especially since I was dealing with my illness and the pressure of meeting a new physician. Compounding my worries, I have a history of mild to moderate anxiety. During my initial check, my blood pressure was alarmingly high at 170/95, and a subsequent reading showed it at 155/90. This naturally raised concerns for both my doctor and myself; my heart rate was elevated as well, fluctuating between 100 and 115 right at that moment due to my anxiety and the stress from the high readings and medical responses. The medical assistant performed an EKG, and after reviewing the results, she pointed out a few irregularities that might indicate an enlarged heart. I couldn't recall all the details she shared, but she suggested that I consult a cardiologist as a precaution, which only added to my anxiety. She prescribed me metoprolol succinate ER at a dosage of 50 mg, and I have reservations about this treatment choice; I suspect my apprehension might be clouding my judgment. Is it standard practice to prescribe this medication to a new patient after just one appointment? My home blood pressure readings tend to be more favorable than those recorded at the office, and my heart rate generally stays between 60 and 80 when I’m at home, only increasing to about 90 to 110 when I’m out walking in the summer heat with my dog. Should I reach out to the clinic to better understand the reasoning behind this particular medication and dosage? I realize I may come off as lacking expertise when raising these questions, but I’m also a firm believer in advocating for my health. I tend to hesitate to ask questions when uncertain, and I fear not voicing concerns could be problematic. A physician friend of mine found the prescribed medication somewhat unusual for a first-time visit and felt the starting dosage was comparatively high for blood pressure treatment. He expressed interest in reviewing the EKG results, so I am in the process of obtaining those. Any feedback or suggestions would be immensely valued.
Seeking Guidance on Health Anxiety and Doctor's Response
Am I overreacting regarding my doctor's advice? At 28 years old and generally healthy, I've previously undergone surgery to remove cysts. Recently, however, I've been feeling anxious about a lump on my back that an ultrasound deemed inconclusive, yet not alarming enough for immediate concern. I was subsequently directed to have another ultrasound for a cyst, which the doctor confirmed is not a lipoma. I experience discomfort, particularly when certain postures put pressure on the surrounding muscles. Despite the medical assessments, I've found myself spiraling into thoughts of cancer, largely because this cyst is relatively deep, coupled with ongoing fatigue and issues with my wrist. It's possible I am just succumbing to stress rather than facing an actual health issue. The MRI I've been scheduled for isn't treated as urgent, and I've been told it could take around two months to get an appointment. When I inquired directly about the likelihood of cancer, my doctor assured me it was unlikely, and I've voiced my worries during our discussions. I'd like to know if this anticipated wait time is reasonable, as I find myself needing some reassurance. I'm on the brink of heading to the ER, but part of me thinks I may be overreacting. This intense health anxiety is new territory for me; I’ve never experienced it before until now.
Concerns About Sexual Side Effects from Pristiq
Hello everyone, my boyfriend, who is 22 years old, stands 6 feet tall and weighs 135 pounds, has been experiencing sexual side effects after starting a 50mg dose of Pristiq approximately two weeks ago. He’s struggling to achieve ejaculation. He has a follow-up appointment scheduled for next month, but it seems challenging to contact his doctor before that. We are wondering how long we should allow these side effects to persist before seeking a resolution. Should he consider arranging an earlier appointment? Additionally, he is currently prescribed 150mg of Wellbutrin and 50mg of Seroquel, having recently transitioned from Wellbutrin to Pristiq due to issues with weight loss, which is concerning since he is already quite slender. We are also curious about alternative treatments available for him, as he is battling depression and sleeplessness. In the past, he has tried several SSRIs, but they too resulted in sexual side effects that did not subside. Although Remeron was beneficial initially and helped him gain some weight—bringing him up to 145 pounds—it eventually made him quite restless after about a year of use. At the moment, his family doctor is managing his prescriptions while he awaits an appointment with a psychiatrist. Wellbutrin had been significantly helpful for his mood and sexual health, but it led to substantial weight loss, despite his efforts to increase his food intake. We are feeling a bit overwhelmed by this situation. Our goal is to find a medication that will not adversely affect his weight or lead to further sexual complications.
Experiencing Elevated Heart Rate and Other Symptoms: Seeking Advice
I am a 23-year-old male, weighing 119 kg and standing at 187 cm. For the past week, I've been dealing with several concerning symptoms, including fatigue, mental fog, and diarrhea starting last Friday, followed by episodes of dizziness from Monday onward. Out of frustration with my fatigue, I decided to monitor my heart rate with my Apple Watch and noticed a recurring pattern: my heart rate consistently exceeds 100 bpm every night, typically during brief intervals. To illustrate, last night, my heart rate fluctuated between 92 bpm and a high of 137 bpm from 2:30 AM to 4:21 AM, after which it dropped to 40-45 bpm until I woke up. While this spike varies in duration, it's usually between 15 to 45 minutes. Additionally, I’ve been experiencing unexplained muscle aches and soreness for some time, despite not engaging in any strenuous activities regularly. It’s worth mentioning that I do not feel any chest discomfort or tightness; my muscle aches alleviate with movement or distraction. I also haven't encountered any respiratory difficulties. On another note, I've been dealing with significant acid reflux issues lately, for which I was prescribed Omeprazole 20 mg. I took it daily for two weeks, then switched to taking it every other day for another two weeks before discontinuing it two weeks ago. I haven't faced many acid reflux incidents since then, but I do continue to experience gas, frequent burping, and diarrhea. The mental impact of these physical symptoms has been considerable. As someone who tends to overthink and ruminate on "what if" scenarios, I find myself increasingly anxious. I wonder if this mental strain could be contributing to my physical symptoms. I have a scheduled appointment with my doctor next Monday to further discuss my health concerns. However, I am eager to know if there are any immediate signs or symptoms that may necessitate a visit to an emergency medical facility. If further details are required for better understanding or insight, please do not hesitate to ask.