Breastfeeding and Menopause

[Ididntmeantoyou]

Hi, I’m looking for insight here. I’m 46 and still breastfeeding (1-2 times a day and another 1-2 times at night). My periods came back when my baby was 8 months old and were fairly regular (30-40 days) then seemed to stop and I now haven’t had one for 55 days. I’ve also started having very regular night sweats (and day sweats too), which started about 3 weeks ago. I’ve read that breastfeeding actually decreases the likelihood of early menopause and I’ve done loads of it, having breastfed 3 children. Can anyone relate to this? Or is anyone else still breastfeeding at my age?

I don't think 46 would count as the start of early menopause? Sounds reasonable that you will be starting to get signs.

Early menopause is when you stop having periods before the age of 45. Have you checked if you are pregnant?

Thanks for the responses. I guess I’m just a bit surprised that this has come on so suddenly whilst I’m still breastfeeding. And also because breastfeeding can cause hot flushes. I really don’t think I could be pregnant.

i am 49 and breastfeeding 3 yr old. I want to stop bfing really but can’t quite bring myself to do it yet! My periods are irregular but they were when I breastfed in my 30s too. I’m starting to get what might be hot flushes. I don’t think my mother went through menopause till later 50s but I do want to try HRT when I stop breastfeeding. I’ve always been forgetful but it’s on another level lately!

Wow! I definitely know what you mean with not quite being able to bring yourself to stop. My LO is 19 months and very determined to keep it up. Nice to know someone else is going through this, thanks.

Was breast feeding at 45. Periods stopped at 56. Didn't have hot flushes until then

That’s more the age I was expecting (in line with my mum’s menopause).

I wasn't breastfeeding, but I did have a baby a couple of years ago and had a horrendous time postpartum, it was like I never really got past it hormonally. I've since realised that's because I am perimenopausal. I think the late baby must have been a result of a last hurrah from my ovaries before they started giving up the ghost in-ernest.

When I look back pre-pregnancy, my periods had changed a bit (very short cycles ultra light periods some months) and there were subtle symptoms for a few years, I just didn't realise what they were. But the huge drop in estrogen and massive hormone changes post-birth really amplified the symptoms and kicked things off a lot more.

If you cast your mind back... any sign of symptoms pre-pregnancy ?

I've been on HRT for 6-months and, although imperfect, it has helped a lot.