Delay, absence, norm of menstruation during lactation

Menstruation during lactation may be absent or irregular. Moreover, both the first and second cases are considered normal. What happens in the female body, why are there no periods during breastfeeding?

The mammary glands are preparing for breastfeeding the unborn child since the beginning of pregnancy. Then the woman discovers breast enlargement, sensitivity of the mammary glands, the release of small white droplets throughout the entire period of gestation. After the birth of a child, the body receives a signal to increase the secretion of milk for lactation. In women who have given birth for the first time, breast milk appears in sufficient quantities for 3 days. The entire body is involved in the process. The appearance of milk is influenced by hormones, the state of the nervous system, the well-being of childbirth. Milk production is regulated by the brain through certain hormones. The amount of milk secreted for breastfeeding depends on the coordinated work of prolactin, oxytocin.

Prolactin is responsible for the amount of milk produced. The signal enters the brain during lactation. A new necessary portion for breastfeeding is produced from 3 am to 7 am. Therefore, morning breastfeeding of a child plays a very important role.

Oxytocin is the pleasure hormone. Its development depends on the emotional state of the woman. The hormone is responsible for the outflow of milk from the breast during sucking, free lactation. If a woman is tense, nervous, the outflow is difficult, the child cannot get food, and the woman concludes that there is not enough milk in the breast. It is very important to push away all disturbing thoughts, problems during breastfeeding. Then the whole process of lactation will take place as expected.

The relationship between lactation and menstruation

Prolactin in large quantities inhibits the production of sex hormones during breastfeeding. As a result, the egg does not develop, there is no ovulation. The reproductive system cannot function fully. All the efforts of the body are aimed at producing milk, ensuring breastfeeding.

6 months after birth, pediatricians recommend introducing complementary foods to the child. Then the amount of milk decreases with the increase in food consumed by the child. The woman begins to feed the baby instead of breastfeeding. The brain receives a signal about the need for less milk. Decreased prolactin levels. At the same time, the female sex hormones - estrogen, progesterone - increase. The egg matures and ovulation occurs. appear around 8 months. And how the menstrual cycle will be formed in the future depends on many factors. Since the hormonal background is still not stable, it is possible to delay menstruation during lactation again for 3 months.

Lack of menstruation during lactation

Breastfeeding is a natural process that takes approximately 1 year. But a woman can continue breastfeeding her baby until she is 2 years old. The period of formation of the menstrual cycle depends on the duration of breastfeeding. The sooner she stops feeding, the sooner her period will begin.

The body of each woman is individual. Different living conditions, emotional environment. Nervousness, problems in personal life lead to a decrease in the amount of breast milk. This means that menstruation during lactation may not be from 1 to 16 months. There is a situation when menstruation for the entire year of feeding was once. Or they go irregularly. It's all because of the unstable hormonal background. The situation is considered normal with the presence of menstruation during lactation, and in their absence. Do not be surprised by the irregularity of the cycle. He will begin to recover fully when the woman stops feeding the baby completely. When prolactin is significantly reduced in quantity. There is a high chance of menstruation during breastfeeding if the mother stops feeding at night.

When should my period start after giving birth?

Immediately after the birth of a baby, a woman is faced with different situations. The recovery period of the menstrual cycle depends primarily on the amount of milk secreted, the duration of breastfeeding.


In order to quickly restore the menstrual cycle after the end of breastfeeding, you need to eat right, observe the regime of rest, sleep, and not be nervous. In general, the recovery of the body after childbirth takes about 8 months. When your period should start, you can ask your doctor. It is necessary to discuss any situation regarding the health of the wasp with a specialist. You should see a doctor one month after giving birth. Then, according to the testimony of the doctor, at your own discretion. Menstruation is restored within 2 years after childbirth. May differ from menstruation that was before pregnancy.