Symptoms after stopping breastfeeding

[Livingmagicallyagain]

I’m 43 and just stopped breastfeeding my youngest DC, age 20 months.

My cycle returned at 8 months postpartum, regular but heavy. When I started dropping feeds a couple of months before stopping I experienced red spotting during the cycle (no pattern).

With this plus bloating and acne on chin/neck my GP last week took bloods and referred me for an ultrasound (which will be next week). Bloods came back FSH 31.

Is this all indicative of peri menopause? GP has recommended the contraceptive pill (or HRT if I wish). I feel great, energetic etc.

From 10 years experience breastfeeding on and off it can take a while for everything to reset - even over 6 months to a year.

However I went into peri after my first at 36 and very much so a year at after my second at 41. Started hrt at 44 and now on 100 patches. I do remember mis cycle spotting though.

I was definitely NOT full of energy though! Id monitor how you are doing over the 6 months / year - I remember a testosterone surge when I stopped after my first (v high libido!)

I'd only seek hrt if you're obviously struggling

Thank you for your much appreciated response!

I didn't have these symptoms the last times I stopped nursing, and the previous time I was in my early 40s.

I didn't realise the contraceptive pill (not mini) was almost identical to HRT, and my GP has suggested the former. I will see her again for more bloods after my pelvic ultrasound next week.

I wonder if weaning can cause high FSH then it returns, or if this is it now...

I imagine your body could either kick starting to try to be fertile again or is winding down -hard to tell!

I did read evidence that bf extends fertility; so it's possibly that stopping means you then start to wind down.

Unfortunately anything cycle related needs 3-6 months to assess. In my case meno symptoms worsened when I stopped bf. I'd already started hrt but needed a lot more.

Blood tests aren't great in peri as they can be up and down a lot. But tend to be indicated to give an idea - it just not always helpful as it's a snap shot on that day.

Only go for pill if you need it for contraception. It's synthetic whereas hrt is body identical and made from yams / soya. In some ways it should be offered over the pill for women in 40s, except that most want the contraceptive element. Hrt is the healthier option.

The other option is the mirena plus oestrogen patches or gel. This gives both contraception and hrt.