I cannot find the proper forum to post this question.
I had my last baby at 44, two years ago.
She is still a frequent nurser during the day.

Does anyone have information on how breastfeeding might be affected by begininning perimenopause?
I am experiencing a late period this month after having a month where I was a week or so late and then experiencing a 2nd period 18 days later!!
This is the first time anything so unusual has ever happened with my cycle.

This month, two days before my period was due, I had EXTREMELY sore nipples. Even my shirt brushing against them had me wince. I was protective over them for 2 days, it was SO bad.

Now, 4 days later, no period, and absolutely NO NIPPLE sensation at all. And I feel as if my milk has dried up. It's weird. I feel completely deflated and yet I have no bloating, no pressure, no heaviness anywhere in my body.
Any help with this from anybody?
Thanks.

Just to add, my period did begin on day 33 without pain of any kind, which is still usual for me, (the no cramping thing) but not the lateness thing.

But I am still at a loss to find ANY articles on going through perimenopause while still breastfeeding. If I completely stop the nursing suddenly, (not that my daughter would appreciate losing her morning and nap time nursings) might that not have a worse effect on my entire system?

Is there ANY information out there how lactation hormones will be affected by the decline and fluctuating hormones of entering peri?

Dollie, I'm sorry I don't know the answers, but I just wanted to tell you that I think it's WONDERFUL that you are breastfeeding your two year-old daughter. I breastfed my son into his toddler years, and, of course, am a huge proponent of extended breastfeeding. It's the BEST!

Have you heard of a magazine called "Mothering"? They're very natural oriented, have a web site, and maybe you could find some answers there. You might even try to write to the long time editor, Peggy O'Mara -- just a thought. I hope you find your answers, Dollie.

RedFox

Dollie, I don't have an answer for you, but I have also been frustrated with the lack of information available on breastfeeding & hormones.

I am 29 & just had my third child in March, I am nursing him & was also still nursing my 3 year old daughter up until 2 months ago.

I have been having some strange symptoms, all of which I've found here on powersurge & I cannot find any info on postpartum hormonal imbalance ANYWHERE! I *think* that my hormones are in a similar state as peri-meno, but no doctor knows anything about it.

I hope you find some answers.

~Erin

Hi Erin and Redfox,
Thank you for your responses.
Redfox, your Mothering magazine sounds wonderful and I will be sure to look for it. I was worried my mentioning nursing a toddler might offend and am glad it didn't. I'm glad to meet another extended nurser.

And Erin, I am not surprised that you haven't been able to gather the information you need as well. The fact that you tandem nursed is such a success. I must admit, that even my own doctor is against it and I don't think they even have valid, knowledgeable reason to take that stance. Many women have done it with no disadvantage to mother or children.

Extended and tandem breastfeeding seems to come under fire as much as menopause ignorance within the medical community.
If only men went through menopause and breastfed. I think there would much more information out there if that was the case.

I have come to the conclusion that breastfeeding sometimes causes similar symptoms as does perimenopause. Absence of periods for some women, sometimes a lower sex drive and sometimes dryness too. And with around the clock nursing, anovulation.
I would also "warm up" too. I don't know if my warming up now is from the breast feeding or if they are mild hot flashes.
What symptoms have you been experiencing?

Hi Dollie, you are so right about feeling warm while breastfeeding. I experienced that too, and welcomed it, especially during winter, because I have always been one of those people who felt cold when everyone else was just right. Of course, now, during perimenopause I'm mostly hot, and have had hot flashes, ranging from mild to quite intense (I'm 51).

Thanks for your wonderful PMs, and again, I'll say I think it's GREAT that you're a believer in extended breastfeeding and child led weaning. When my son was little, I read every book and article I could on natural parenting, and as I've said, Mothering magazine was SO important to me. I still have all my issues, as there are many articles in there about adolescents and natural living. I don't think you'll find it on the regular magazine stands, but I often see it in health food stores.


You're right on the mark there, Dollie!!!!

My best to you, and I hope you find some answers,

RedFox

Hi Dollie, here is my intro post :

http://www.power-surge.com/php/forums/inde...?showtopic=9870

it describes my weird symptoms, I'd love to know what you think.

I belong to MDC, (Mothering Dot Commune) the online version of Mothering Magazine - love it!!!! It's a wonderful community of mama's who practice AP - Attachment Parenting (extended bfing - "Ebf", gentle discipline, co-sleeping, healthy/natural living, etc) you should check it out!

One member started a menopause thread there under the "Health & Healing" forum & I think it really desrerves it's very own forum. I poste a link to this site over there, hopefully those going through peri/meno will come on over & find some support here!

Take care,

~Erin

THANK YOU Erin!! I'm off to check it now!
I bet Redfox would like to check it out too!

Hello Erin and Dollies,

Thanks for posting this information, Erin! I'm so happy to have found another Mothering magazine fan! I went to have a look at MDC and it looks great -- all the topics that are so very, very dear to my heart. My son is sixteen now, and as I look back on those early years, I am so grateful for the influence Mothering had on me. And, what a huge influence too. Their whole philosophy toward parenting always seemed right for me, my son and husband. I would never have chosen any other way to raise our son. Popping in at MDC is like going home. I see that there are some forums on teenagers, and I'm anxious to delve into those, as well as many other forums. Thanks again, Erin.

Dollie, I hope you're doing well. Being able to connect with other women who are experiencing the same problems and issues is SO important, I've found. It's amazing how much support and help I've found here at Power Surge.

I hope you both have a lovely Sunday!

RedFox