Extended breastfeeding and low oestrogen - advice on testing

[JacksonStreet]

Hi, I have been breastfeeding for almost 2 years and suspect I have low oestrogen from symptoms experienced. I have read low oestrogen from breastfeeding can mimic peri menopause symptoms… although I am also 41! is it possible to test oestrogen levels and if so at a certain time of the month? Is there anything else which I should also ask to test for? I’ve already had full bloods done and all fine other than borderline low vid d and high b12.

i have found that I need to request very specific tests / treatments with my GP and really advocate for myself in order to get anything done - thank you in advance with any advice

I should imagine that if you’re prepared to pay, then you can have any blood tests you want. However, if you want the NHS to pay for a blood test there would need to be a clear clinical indication. Do you think you might have low oestrogen because you’re breastfeeding? If the result indicated it was low, what would you do about it?

Thank you for your reply and good questions @Soontobe60
yes I think breastfeeding is effecting my oestrogen levels.
if oestrogen found to be low - I’ll phase out breastfeeding. Ask to be prescribed the combined pill? It will also have helped me identify the cause of my current symptoms

What symptoms are you having @JacksonStreet ?

How much longer do you plan to breastfeed?

Have your periods come back yet? Breastfeeding does /can prevent that (which is why in the past it was used as contraception (though not entirely reliable!)

If you're not having regular periods then yes, you won't have normal levels of estrogen.

Hi @JinglingSpringbells thanks for your reply. Had periods since Oct last year which coincided with symptoms starting. Recurring sinusitis (main issue which is also significantly effecting my mood), fatigue, low libido, dry skin, low mood. Immunity seems low too. Appreciate these could be linked to many things… just trying to work it out myself and GP v unhelpful.

didn’t realise that having my periods may indicate oestrogen ok. I hadn’t planned on a set timeframe for breastfeeding but little one still keen so will continue as long as she is.

You do sound as if some of those symptoms are low estrogen.
Maybe think about whether carrying on with BF is a good idea if it's affecting your health so much? It's obviously a personal decision, but you've 'lost' 18 months or so with no periods and low estrogen long term can affect bone density. Maybe think about the impact of BF on your own health- your baby has had a great start with 2 years of BF. They don't 'need' breast milk any more.

If it carries on after you stop BF, you might also need to consider the symptoms as peri menopause.

Thank you @JinglingSpringbells really appreciate your thoughts. I think I will start winding down the BF but it may take some weeks. Do you know whether the combined pill is something appropriate to request to try and slightly boost oestrogen whilst bridging gap to stopping BF? Very valid point re bone density

edit - typo

I'm pretty sure that the CCP would be okay. There are some new sorts out that have body identical estrogen- think they are called Zoely and Qlaira (check the spelling!) Often given to younger women. Good luck!

This is super helpful, THANK YOU! I am going to be very well prepared for my GP appointment next week 🙏