Will getting your period during breastfeeding reduce breast milk supply?
Oct 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
In general, if a mother has high levels of prolactin and oxytocin, milk production usually does not noticeably decrease during menstruation. However, if estrogen and progesterone levels are high, the onset of menstruation may temporarily reduce milk supply. During lactation, it is important to maintain a nutritious diet, avoid spicy or irritating foods, keep the breasts clean, and use proper breastfeeding techniques.
Generally, whether menstruation during lactation affects a decrease in breast milk depends primarily on changes in hormone levels. If prolactin and oxytocin levels in the mother's body remain high, milk production usually does not noticeably decrease when menstruation occurs. However, if estrogen and progesterone levels are elevated, menstruation may temporarily reduce milk supply. The details are as follows:
Breast milk secretion is mainly regulated by hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin. After childbirth, prolactin levels rise, stimulating the mammary glands to produce milk. The body has already adapted to the demands of breastfeeding and can manage hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle while still maintaining an adequate milk supply for the infant. Therefore, milk production typically does not significantly decrease during menstruation.
Although menstruation during lactation does not directly suppress prolactin, the cyclical changes in estrogen and progesterone may affect the balance of other hormones to some extent, thereby indirectly influencing milk production. For example, increased estrogen levels may reduce prolactin secretion, leading to a temporary decrease in milk volume.
During lactation, it is important to maintain a nutritious diet, avoid spicy or irritating foods, keep the breasts clean, and use proper breastfeeding techniques.
