Q&A: How can I live in sync with my hormones when I’m experiencing Lactational Amenorrhea?

Dear Devorah B.,

Thank you so much for your comment on my last post , where I mentioned the idea of living in sync with the the different energies of hormone fluctuations in a woman’s menstrual cycle. I’m far from an expert on the subject, but I find the whole topic really intriguing!

I haven’t seen much written up on Lactational Amenorrhea (AKA no period while breastfeeding or “nursing clean”) by the Menstrual Cycle Energy Experts and Enthusiasts, but I can share some of my research and thoughts.

Lactational Amenorrhea (LA) is associated with low levels of estrogen and high levels of prolactin.

I think first thing to do is consider the impact that estrogen has when it peaks in a “normal” cycle. Higher (balanced) levels of estrogen are associated with greater mood stability and increased confidence. It’s the female “go-getter” hormone.

We also know that a) unbalanced high levels of estrogen, b) low levels of estrogen in menopause, and c) fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone in pregnancy can lead to moodiness, anxiety, and irritability. Immediately postpartum, women experience a plunge in both estrogen and progesterone which leads to the Baby Blues and sometimes Postpartum Depression, or PPD.

Next, what do we know about prolactin? Well, there are some conditions that cause hyperprolactinemia – above normal levels of prolactin in someone who is not breastfeeding. Those too are associated with moodiness, depression, and anxiety.

Gosh. Is this all to say that women with LA are doomed to be moody/anxious/depressed and lacking in confidence?

No! Stick with me.

Many breastfeeding women are familiar with the low estrogen “side effects” of vaginal dryness/atrophy and a lower libido – not only because intimacy is less comfortable, but also because it’s just generally less interesting. (Yes. That’s normal.) Remember, the Lactational Amenorrhea Method, LAM, has been used as a natural (read: default) form of birth control for thousands of years. LAM isn’t as dependable as it once was for many women and it’s no longer the default for most, so it’s harder to keep in mind that what sounds (and feels) like a negative side effect of breastfeeding today is ultimately one aspect of a carefully designed and highly effective system!

Okay – so back to the question raised above – “How can I live in sync with my hormones when I’m experiencing Lactational Amenorrhea?”

Here are my 3 main takeaways:

• Respect that you’re potentially more susceptible to mood swings, depression, and anxiety, and use that susceptibility as a motivator to take good care of yourself. Every mother should, but it’s hard to find the time and “justification.”
  • Surround yourself with support. (Good friends, caring family, cleaning help!)
  • Use positive self talk. (Learn how from podcasts, shiurim, a coach or therapist.)
  • Engage in feel-good exercise. (Yoga, Zumba, running – what leaves you feeling happy?)
  • Try to get sufficient sleep. (Easier said than done, I know!)

• Think – what can I do to tap into the consistency and dependability of my cycle right now? How can I use this to enhance my relationships in general? How can I make this state of ongoing taharah work positively for my marriage, even in cases where physical intimacy is less compelling? (I.e. scheduling a vacation as a couple to go reconnect, adventure or relax without older kids, or even using the time to develop healthy communication skills in the bedroom.)

• Keep in mind that your body is still dedicatedly growing and nurturing your breastfeeding child. Be patient with it. You might not lose weight as quickly. You may struggle with certain aspects of intimacy. You may not feel like a confident go-getter who is ready to take over the work place and change the world…and that’s ok! Keep in mind that the stage you are in will not last forever. Even if you go straight from pregnancy to nursing to pregnancy, there will come a time when you will move on to the next phase of life. (Some women may benefit from a break simply to remember what life with their “normal” cycling hormones is like too, and that’s ok – it’s a very personal choice.)

IN SUMMARY:
The key with the whole “living in sync” thing is to acknowledge and honor that your experiences are real, natural, and valid. We don’t need to deny and push through what we feel at different times of our lives. We can tap those energies (positive and seemingly negative) to give our bodies what we need to be our best selves and do our best work every day of of every stage. ❤

PS: I just want to give a shout out to the women who are reading this and thinking – whoa this is so not my experience! Maybe they have PMS with their menstrual cycles, a chronic health condition that flares with hormonal fluctuations, or find that niddah places a strain on their marriage each cycle – for many women Lactational Amenorrhea provides an emotional relief that far outweighs any “downsides.” I think MOST women who go through a stage of LA will find there are pros and cons. Patience, curiosity, and openness to understanding what it is your feeling can help you make the most of your personal experience, whatever it is.