Anyone taken HRT while breastfeeding?

[BananaHammock23]

We were fortunate enough to have our DS (almost 2) by IVF and are planning a frozen embryo transfer. We have tried natural cycles but my womb lining doesn't thicken and the decision has been made that I would benefit from HRT (progynova) next cycle. I really don't want to stop breastfeeding. I've done some research that indicates the worst case scenario in a low dose (which I would be on) is reduced supply, which could help wean 'naturally' which I'm open to. Would love to hear from anyone who's been through this.

After trying for a long time to have DS, I'm worried that I'll stop BFing, not get pregnant and then regret giving up one of the things that I love most about being a mum!

Your last paragraph sums up my situation. I was supposed to start preparation for my FET a few months ago and didn't because I didn't want to stop breastfeeding.
My clinic weren't keen to do a FET while breastfeeding but we've booked a consultation in the summer to see if they will go ahead. I'm getting some blood tests, I think prolactin levels and can't remember what else.
I want to understand the objections, if they're because of the hormones passing to my baby via the milk, or because the FET would be less likely to work. Or both?

I was already much older than planned as a first time mum due to many years of IVF so I'm conscious of my age too.

So I can't help you yet but watching with interest to see if anyone else has experience.

I know we are so so fortunate to even have this dilemma.

I'm also watching with interest. I'm hoping to begin the FET process again at the end of this year, but DS (17 months) isn't showing any signs of wanting to stop breastfeeding (only twice a day, but still 🤷🏻‍♀️). I've read on here plenty of times that most clinics won't consider starting a FET whilst you're still breastfeeding and I'd really like to know why. I'm wondering if it's to do with the effect of the raised prolactin level on our hormones making how we respond to treatment more unpredictable or something?🤔

Nice to hear I'm not alone in this!

Our clinic were happy to do the FET with a natural cycle while breastfeeding. The consultant told us that there was the same chance of us getting pregnant as if I wasn't breastfeeding, but I've heard other clinics say different things so it's hard to trust it!

As far as our clinic were concerned, medicated cycles only helped with timing.

Sadly I'm not ovulating (news to me!) and my lining is rubbish so the HRT route is going to give me the best chance of getting pregnant. I can't bear to go through another cancelled natural cycle - I know it's silly but I was already planning my due date!

I've done a loooot of research on BFing and HRT via a FB group called 'breastfeeding and IVF' and decided to lie to my clinic about stopping and go ahead. I know this won't sit right with everyone but I feel I'm making the right choice for us. Side effects can include a low supply, which isn't ideal but with my DS being almost 2 I don't mind so much. Seems like it could be a 'natural' way to wean, although I'd love him to stay feeding and in my dreams I'd be able to tandem feed two babes.

Just thought I'd update this thread for anyone who stumbles upon it! I've now started Progynova and I'm still feeding. Only two days in but no dip in supply and 2yo DS still feeding happily. Will try and pop in here periodically when I remember!

Will keep fingers crossed for you @BananaHammock23 and you @BambiOnIce80 when the time comes.

I'm still breastfeeding a fair bit throughout the day and I would like to continue if possible. It won't be for a few months now that we attempt a FET but very much hoping to hear good news from you.

@happyllama just wanted to check in. I had no side effects from taking HRT while breastfeeding. I got pregnant but sadly miscarried at near 6 weeks.

Oh @BananaHammock23 I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Take very good care of yourself 💐

I'm so sorry to hear this @BananaHammock23 💙 I've had a 6 week loss before, so understand how cruel it is 💐 I hope you're being looked after.x

Just in case anyone comes back to the thread looking for answers, I had my review appointment this afternoon (due to start FET next cycle). My consultant said the reason you can't breastfeed through a medicated cycle is because the majority of drugs we take will get into our breast milk and into our DC, which can have unpleasant side effects on them.

DS is down to feeding twice a day (just comfort feeds - he doesn't physically need them), so I've decided I'm going to pump and dump when I start the drugs (purely to stop me from getting a blocked duct!). If he's still interested in breastfeeding when the time comes to stop the drugs, then we'll resume. If not, I'll taper down the pumping to nothing and get my boobs back! 😂 Hope this helps others formulate their own plans.x

Hello, coincidentally @BambiOnIce80 I’ve also just had an appointment and am going to have a natural cycle FET. They said it was pretty rare for the side effects on a child of the medication to be an issue, but since it is not zero, and my periods are regular we’ll try natural. Annoyingly I have some work travel that will make next cycle tricky and then Christmas gets in the way so will probably be the new year before we get going.

Good luck with your treatment.

@BananaHammock23 how are you getting on?
My clinic also said there was no difference in success rates between medicated and unmedicated FETs (if no other issues).

@happyllama that is a spooky coincidence! 👻 My clinic aren't big on natural cycles (because they don't do FET's on a weekend), so drugs are the only option for me. I've also got timing problems with work commitments after the Christmas shutdown, so we've got to go for it now if we want to get a cycle in before the Spring. Wishing you the best of luck with your cycle 🍀

Hi @BambiOnIce80 hope things are going well, lots of luck 🍀

After your message I’ve checked with my clinic and they will do transfer any day of the week which is a bit reassuring, I hadn’t even thought of what if the best day was a weekend.

I’m actually trying to do some research about what effects exactly the drugs would have on DC with the view to considering a medicated cycle anyway because I would only be taking oestrogen as FET preparation. The medicated cycle would feel less stressful for me as my periods are every month but the cycle length varies quite a bit (27 - 34 days) and we will also be travelling for treatment which means no childcare for DC in the days leading up to the FET. We’d need to be there a few days early to pinpoint when to have the transfer whereas with medicated FET they would just follow my previous successful protocol.
Possible issues are that DC breastfeeds a lot, multiple times per day and night.
I know there is the IVF and breastfeeding Facebook group but I have an uncommon name and concerned about privacy in the group.

In any case @BananaHammock23 I am thinking of you too 💐

Good to hear from you @happyllama 😊 That's great news that your clinic will do FET's on a weekend - certainly takes a lot of the stress out of it when considering a natural FET. I completely understand what you mean about logistics though if you go for a natural cycle. It's stress you could do without out and would put me off too. The modified FET is a lot more predictable and freakishly fast compared to the HRT modified I did before with DS. It's been oestrogen since cycle day 3 for 9 days, then a lining and follicle scan (which went fine), so started progesterone 2 days later and transfer is a week after that... which is Wednesday! 😳 The progesterone effect is also why I'm awake at stupid o'clock in the morning 😏

I have to admit that I didn't look into exactly what effect the drugs would have on DS because the doctor was so emphatic about not breastfeeding through the cycle. I told her I would pump and dump and she was happy with that. Wasn't concerned about high prolactin effecting the cycle because my periods have been back for over a year and she considered them to be regular (every 24-30 days doesn't seem so regular to me, but 🤷🏻‍♀️). Fast forward to starting the cycle a week later and the nurse starting me off on the drugs overhears DP and I discussing the logistics of that night (whether to give DS one last feed before the pumping and dumping begins) and she nearly cancelled the cycle because of it! Luckily, a doctor eventually called me back (2 damn days of stressing later!) and said we could proceed because she was satisfied that I wasn't going to breastfeed DS whilst on the drugs. She did make it clear that they would cancel the cycle if I had intended to continue breastfeeding throughout because of the potential effect of the drugs on him though. Not sure if it's because he's a boy and very high oestrogen/progesterone could mess with his hormones? 🤔

Is it still the new year that you're looking to start your cycle? I'd be interested to know what you find out about the drugs and the potential side effects for DC's, if you wouldn't mind sharing? I've been lucky in that DS has taken well to subbing cows milk in a sippy cup for breastfeeding (although I'm quite sad about it too! 🥺) and DP cuddling him to sleep instead of me breastfeeding him has resulted in him going down in 5-10 minutes! It'd more often than not take him up to an hour to fall asleep when I breastfed him, so I'm trying not to take it personally! 😏

Just wanted to update this thread again! I'm now 10 weeks pregnant and still taking HRT and breastfeeding! I'll continue to do so until I'm 12 weeks. No drop in supply or taste issues and feeling good :)

Congratulations @BananaHammock23 that’s wonderful news. Hope you’re feeling okay.

Do you mind me asking what HRT you are on - is it oestrogen?

My clinic are keen to do a natural FET next cycle but I’m inclined to request a medicated FET. The uncertainty of when the transfer will be, on top of travelling and trying to work with no childcare will stress me out. At least for medicated it’s slightly more controlled. Also terrified of missing the right moment or my cycle going haywire.

My clinic like to do their own scan before you start the progesterone about 5 or 6 days before transfer in a medicated FET, for unmedicated I could be getting a scan every day.

Thanks @happyllama - I'm on Progynova. Clinic initially wanted me on 8mg a day but I asked if I could start on a lower dose and see if it worked and it did, so I only take 4mg.

We tried two natural cycles and it just didn't work. My lining never thinned out enough - it was like I hadn't bled.

The clinic flat out refused to do a medicated cycle unless I'd stopped breastfeeding so for me there was no option but to lie. I take Progynova alongside two Cyclogest pessaries a day and two Lubion injections a day - so pretty high dose progesterone too! It's not affected feeding at all. Good luck! X