This article was professionally consulted by Doctor Nguyen Anh Tu - Obstetric Ultrasound Doctor - Prenatal Diagnosis - Department of Obstetrics - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
The menstrual cycle often changes in women after giving birth. The phenomenon of losing a menstrual cycle while breastfeeding is normal. Menstrual cycle will return sooner for women who don’t breastfeed, and later after for those who breastfeed.
1. Why do breastfeeding mothers often lose their menstrual cycle
Usually after giving birth, a woman's menstrual cycle cycle will change. In those who don’t breastfeed, the menstrual cycle often occurs earlier and the first menstrual cycle occurs about 6 weeks after giving birth accounting for about 40%, most women after giving birth will have their menstrual cycle again 24 weeks later. However, there are still cases of menstrual cycle and then amenorrhea for a few months before it becomes regular again.
For those who breastfeed, the menstrual cycle will appear later because the prolactin in breast milk causes the activity of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovary to change, and slow down the menstrual cycle cycle. The menstrual cycle for women after giving birth is quite irregular and different.
2. Is it dangerous to lose a menstrual cycle while breastfeeding?
Menstrual cycle disorders after giving birth are a very normal physiological phenomenon. After giving birth, the mother will have some hormonal changes, especially for those who breastfeed, prolactin in milk slows down the menstrual cycle.
However, mothers need to know some postpartum menstrual cycle issues to be able to detect some abnormalities as well as avoid unwanted pregnancies such as:
- Some abnormal signs of the genital area such as itching, discomfort, smells bad, pain during intercourse, ...
- In postpartum menstrual menstrual cycle, menstrual blood will be heavier, and abdominal pain will be more severe.
- During breastfeeding, be careful with contraceptive methods and consult a doctor to make the right choice.
- Women who don’t breastfeed can choose contraceptive methods such as: using condoms, calculating ovulation cycles, birth control pills, …
- A slow-down menstrual cycle that occurs after having a regular menstrual cycle may be due to pregnancy, you need to go to the doctor soon for an ultrasound and timely examination.
Breastfeeding women often lose their menstrual cycle because the prolactin in milk slows down the menstrual process, more than women who do not breastfeed. However, normality is only assessed when menstrual cycle disorders last less than 2 years. If after 2 years of giving birth, you still experience menstrual disorders, you need to go to a medical facility immediately for examination, find the cause, and receive timely treatment if you encounter other diseases.
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