Can breastfeeding make your periods worse?

[Dittomark]

Unfortunately I'm one of those unlucky people whose periods don't stop when breastfeeding.

Since having DS 6 months ago they've become really heavy and I also feel extremely tired, dizzy and lightheaded for about 2 days.

Despite this they actually hurt less

Previously they were always light, but quite painful so I'd just take painkillers and carry on as normal.

At the moment I'm struggling to function due to the dizziness and tiredness.

I mentioned it to the GP when I went about something else and she said breastfeeding causes it...is this actually true? Is there anything I can take to sort myself out?

Post-baby, most women find their periods are heavier - that's why some heavier-absorption tampons are targetted at women who have had babies (or that was the case at one time). Nothing to do with bf.

Dizziness and tiredness is not normal, though, and it is also quite wrong to blame that on bf.

Ask your doc more specifically about this, and ask if you need to get a specialist opinion.

My periods weren't any heavier after DD though, they were exactly the same. But I accept things may be different this time! Does that mean they'll be heavier forever, or will they go back to normal eventually?

The dizziness and tiredness is only period related BTW, I'm ok the rest of the time. I think the combination of heavy period + breastfeeding might be affecting me somehow.

I've always been heavy, but post DD it seems to be worse too, even heavier but for fewer days! I've always found myself a bit lethargic etc during AF but more so now. Last month I took iron supplements and was much better (spatone), so I think it's just blood loss in addition to dehydration from bf in this weather? Maybe worth a try?

You sound anaemic op. It will be more noticeable when you're losing blood on your period. Get yourself some supplements and some steak!!

Mine came back after 8 months and are heavy and irregular, sometimes every 2 weeks. They don't hurt at all, sometimes I don't even realise it's started until ive bled through whatever I'm wearing tmi

I didn't have any difference after ds1 2 and 3

Mine came back when DS was 6 weeks old :( :( and have been regular as clockwork ever since, despite exclusively breastfeeding. It's not fair!

I've got some spatone leftover from when I was pregnant so I'll dig that out. Will try and drink more too.

DH says I look a bit green like I have a bug, but it's just because I feel so dizzy.