Menstrual cycle after breast feeding - any ideas?

[NomNomDePlumPudding]

My menstrual cycle kicked back in when dd2 was 11 months (November) -first cycle seemed normal, ovulation and 26 days, second no ovulation and much longer than usual, i can't remember how long but i think more than 35 days. stopped breastfeeding in january, had another normal length one and then i had a 17 day cycle, and today my period has arrived 12 days after the last one started to say i am unimpressed is something of an understatement. i'm just wondering if this kind of irregularity is normal after breastfeeding? i don't recall it when i stopped feeding dd1, everything just went straight back to normal. i'm 43, so i suppose it could something to do with that - but 12 days seems like a ridiculously short cycle to me. should i be concerned, do you think?

Poor you! Mine have been all over the place after both kids. With the first, my periods returned at 6 months despite still BFing, but were not regular until we stopped feeding, and maybe for a couple of months after that. Second time around I had my first period at 4 months, then nothing for the next 7 (!!) but I seem to have ended up in a more regular pattern. I know breastfeeding can interfere with hormones, but I always thought this would make for longer cycles rather than shorter ones. Is the bleeding heavy? Could you be spotting a little at ovulation maybe, or is it a proper period? Like you I'm of an age where every irregularity makes me think I'm heading for the menopause, but I'd be inclined to say yoiur body is still trying to work it out. But if it bothers you, maybe a word with the GP?

yes, i would've thought post-bf irregularity would make for longer cycles, not shorter. it's proper, fairly heavy flow - much heavier than it was between dd1 and dd2, when it was regular and gratifyingly light.

i guess i will leave it until the next cycle, whenever that is, and if it seems too soon again will go to GP.

thanks for replying