Does anyone know much about prolactin/breastfeeding it possibly causing/contributing to depression and low libido? In someone who's been bfing for 16 months.
I've done some general reading on dopamine/prolactin interactions, and I'm wondering if my levels would be high enough to contributing to depression and low libido.
Hi Tish,
I have just done a quick "google" and had a read of some of the studies done.
hmm, rather interesting, I dont know any more than you but I have been having the most horrendous PMS lately, almost homicidal/suicidal ....I kid you not. then I get down, reallly down.
I am still BFing almost 16 months, will be interesting if anyone else has anything to add.
Also my libido has been MIA since 3 months after DS birth.
The role of hormones is a complicated area. It sounds like you are having a tough time. Prolactin levels peak toward the end of pregnancy, but their action is suppressed by high levels of progesterone and oestrogen. After delivery the levels of these hormones plummets, and prolactin levels remain high. However, over time, prolactin levels go back to fairly normal levels, and milk supply, rather than being governed by your prolactin levels are controlled by the sucking stimulation and the emptying of the breast. At 16mnths it is unlikely that you prolactin levels would be particularly elevated. In studies I have read there doesn't seem to be a correlation between prolactin and depression in breastfeeding women. Generally, breastfeeding protects against post partum depression. Breastfeeding aslo provides the release of oxytocin - a "feelgood hormone" which is generally thought to make mothering easier - allows you to cope with routine, monotonous tasks! Breastfeeding suppresses estrogen, though over time, as you breastfeed less, the levels of this hormone rise. This is often thought to be implicated in low libido.
Despite the know protective role of breastfeeding in PND, it seems that very often the first thing that is suggested to breastfeeding mothers is that they give up breastfeeding.
Most therapies for treating PND are compatible with breastfeeding. You should be able to get the treatment you need whilst continuing to breastfeed, if that is what you want to do. Despite what is sometimes portrayed, breastfeeding doesn't "take it out of you" (well, only milk) and isn't a great burden on your body. It often allows a mother to get more rest than she would otherwise.
On the other hand, breastfeeding for 16mnths is fabulous - and some some mothers recognise that their breastfeeding time has come to an end - if that is OK by them and their baby. Kepp in mind that having young children is an exhausting time in a family's life. Things just aren't what they used to be (and may never be again!) Mothering is tiring and constant. (and generally undervalued!)
But, no, I don't think breastfeeding causes depression.
Yeah I had a bit of a google earlier on and the medical studies were over my head, and the general articles were a bit conflicting (some said bfing reduced depression while something I read said it contributed to it). It was just a general page I read where dopamine controlled libido and prolactin reduced dopamine.
Yeah I had a bit of a google earlier on and the medical studies were over my head, and the general articles were a bit conflicting (some said bfing reduced depression while something I read said it contributed to it). It was just a general page I read where dopamine controlled libido and prolactin reduced dopamine.
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Prolactin
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