Breastfeeding

[Hannahthebyre]

Hello,
I have been breastfeeding my daughter since birth and she is now 18 months old. My period returned when she was 5 months old fairly regularly (28-35 day cycles). However, last month I had only a 19 day cycle and I have just started bleeding again making a 15 day cycle. I have been to my doctor today as I have health anxiety so I instantly think the worst. My rational mind tells me this is almost certainly hormone related as I recently went back to work as a teacher after the six week summer holiday and therefore my daughter’s feeding is all over the place. On my work days she obviously doesn’t feed as much but on my non-work days she does. I think my boobs and hormones are very confused. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced similar? The doctor has asked I go back after one more cycle and I am also going to try weaning from the breast in that time as I’m ready to stop anyway.
Thank you in advance!

After I stopped breastfeeding I bled every 15 days for a year and then a mix of 15 and 28 days cycles for another year!
I had an ultrasound and an examination which showed vaginosis and I had antibiotics for that but it didn't change the cycle length.
I was on the pill so they weren't true periods so potentially a little different. Prior to pregnancy I bled a few days a year on the same pill. The body is weird and it can change after pregnancy

I’m guessing it’s hormone related and will sort itself out. How old are you? I quite often have cycles that are 3 weeks long, followed by one that is 40/50/60 days long but I’m 43 and certainly heading into perimenopause.

I wouldn't be worried to be honest

My cycle was definitely less consistent when I was breastfeeding, I did it for 3 years with my daughter and one thing I noticed in particular was how short my cycle became

It's one of the reasons that sometimes it's quite difficult to conceive when breastfeeding, because the luteal phase is so short that even if your egg is fertilised it doesn't always take because the luteal phase is too short

What did the doctor say? Again just to assure you, I really wouldn't worry, anything goes when it comes to breastfeeding and menstruation tbh

Thank you all so much - you’ve helped to put my mind at ease! I’m 33 years old so probably a little young to be perimenopausal. The doctor feels strongly that it is hormone related too but has told me to go back in 5 weeks to see what my next cycle is like. Thank you all again for your help and reassurance!