Late and irregular periods, what could be causing it? Extended breastfeeding?

[Periodohperiodwhereartthou]

Hi there!

I’m still breastfeeding my almost 3 year old dd. My periods seemed to be ok when they came back, however recently they are so irregular! I’m now 3 days late (definitely not pregnant!) and was also 6 days late over Christmas, although jan and feb were pretty on time iirc. Really worried something sinister could be going on? It also feels like I’m right about to come on and has done for the last week (cramps, sore breasts, tired etc) just no sign of bleeding! Definitely not pregnant as I did a test last night and I was late.

Could this just be the extended breastfeeding? Dd only nurses once in the morning and once at night. Very occasionally she will have it once in the day too.

Hopeful bump!

Hi, I can't be 100% sure because I'm not a doctor but I would say it's more than likely due to the hormones surrounding your extended breath feeding. Especially if your breast feeding pattern changes sometimes. Hormones are directly affected by breast feeding and hormones also do mad things to our bodies. I breastfed my son until he was 2yrs. My periods came back when he was about 14 months, a little while after his feeds had significantly reduced. My periods were regular straight away however as time went by and feeds and milk supply reduced further as he self weaned, my mood swings and emotional state really suffered temporarily and I think it was a direct result of milk supply drying up. Give your body time, I'm sure it will be a hormonal adjustment your going through, it makes complete sense! However there's no harm in calling the docs for a chat if u haven't already? Let us know how u get on and try not to worry xx

Breast* not breath

It is quite usual to have irregular periods when breastfeeding, some woman have none at all. When you stop altogether your cycle will adjust.

Perimenopause?

@everythingbackbutyou I hope not! I’m only 28 😱

I’m going to give the doctors a call today as I’ve woken up feeling absolutely atrocious! so nauseous and really bad pelvis pain. DH is convinced I’m hiding a pregnancy 😒

It could just be a new normal since this last pregnancy. Breastfeeding won't be affecting your hormones that much at this stage. But it is normal for periods to change as you age and particularly following a pregnancy.

It's only considered irregular if your cycles change by more than 7 days BTW. 2 or even 6 days different is within the range of normal /regular.

Hi there OP,

I know this thread started a while ago, I was just wondering if you ever got an explanation for this? My daughter is nearly 2, I’m still breastfeeding, and my periods came back last April (when she was 1), and over the last 3 months they have been so irregular. Either 3/4 days late, or really long (one period lasted 8 days!).
similar to you I have had cramps and other signs I was going to come on, it I’m 3 days late.

many thanks

Did you ever get to the bottom of this? Feeding my 3 year old and periods are lasting longer than 7 days with cramping