Any experience hormone/health issues from long term breastfeeding

[JacksonStreet]

I have been breastfeeding for almost 2 years. I have read that this can significantly lower oestrogen and even mimic early menopause. Since I got my postpartum period 6 months ago, I have sinusitis the week before my period although this last month I have had it for 4 weeks and counting. Low oestrogen can raise inflammation/ cause sinus issues and I am wondering if there is a link to my breastfeeding. GP unhelpful and patronising on all of this, the nasal spray and antihistamines that I’ve been prescribed having no effect on the sinus issues. Anyone with any insight? Feel like it’s one of those things I need to resolve myself as I am not going to get any help from my doctor.

I've never correlated it before but I had loads of sinus issues when my kids were toddlers (both BF for 2 years). They all resolved themselves and now they are teens I haven't had issues in many years. As I say I didn't see a connection before and didn't particularly do anything to treat them other than the odd doctors appointment and over the counter meds though.

Do you know what you could be right - I have never linked this before but my sinus problems started when my DC were young following me ending exclusive BF and never having sinus problems before. I am now on long-term sinus spray prescriptions

I have no idea !

I do suffer with sinusitis but it’s easily resolved with otc medicines when needed.

I breastfed for 6plus years and have finally reached menopause at 56 so I’m pretty sure my oestrogen levels weren’t affected Try not to worry…

This is interesting, I’ve also never connected it but have pretty much a constant sore throat when BF, a collective 3 years across two children and still feeding my youngest

It's been a few years now since I stopped BF, but I did it for nine consecutive years. Can't say I noticed any health issues, and I'm 47 now and seem to be coping OK with what I assume is early perimenopause. Feeling generally quite crappy, but could just as easily be stress as hormones! In fact, stress more likely.

I too never made the connection.

I breast fed for nearly 6 yrs in total and distinctly remember, in the 4-5th year, having strep throat and the most awful bout of sinusitis. Nothing helped and I eventually resorted to acupuncture.

I remember sitting with multiple needles in my head and feeling the pop and pressure release of my sinus draining,

I'm now 53 and have been on HRT. My joints and under my feet were aching badly - other symptoms too but the aching was the main reason for the HRT.

Any research on this I wonder? From an evolutionary standpoint, it doesn't seem to make sense!

I bf for 8 years continuously and had no issues. I did get plenty of colds, sore throat, blocked noses and occasionally sinus issues but so did DH and DC thanks to young children in childcare/schoo and, the post-COVID surge in minor illnesses. I also have allergies that affect my breathing (known about since I was a teenager).

Hi!
I'm still bf 14 months pp.

I didn't have any colds, or any sinus issues all winter after giving birth.

I'm estrogen and progesterone are very low, menopausal really. I suffered for a bit from anxiety, low mood, fatigue. Also my cholesterol levels are off (one doc said estrogen fights cholesterol, could it be a link?)

Its could also affect bone density, cancer cells etc long-term. My gyno reassured me that my body will know when to balance itself.

I am trying to reduce bf even more as I'm going to work soon. I will repeat my tests in a couple of months.

Nope. No issues here and bf my last child for 3 years.