Is Pre-Menstrual Spotting from Breastfeeding?
Question
I conceived a daughter in February. I nursed her for six months and stopped at that time to hopefully start trying for another baby. I am 36 years old and have never had any problems conceiving. After I stopped nursing, I had a normal period and then the period after that had spotting prior to it. This is now the 4th month of spotting prior to menstruation. The spotting is not every day but can occur 5-7 days prior to my period starting. I have never experienced this before because prior to this pregnancy my cycle was regular. I heard that my body could be adjusting from nursing. Should I be concerned that this may be a problem since I have not gotten pregnant yet?
Kim
Answer
Last Updated: October 21, 2013
Dear Kim,
I think you mean you gave birth in Feb nursed for six months, and have since had four cycles, and are trying to conceive? It can take some time for the body to return to normal after nursing. The spotting you are having is an indication, in all likelihood, that your body has not yet returned to normal hormonally. It has been long enough that I would consider it reasonable to explore the causes of the spotting. If you are charting your cycles, you will have a record you can then share with a physician trained to evaluate the causes of this bleeding. It may be due to inadequate progesterone levels, and the treatment could be as simple as supplementing with bio-identical progesterone. The first step is to consult a teacher to chart a couple cycles. The teacher can then refer you to a physician who will utilize this individual record to pursue diagnosis and treatment, with the goal of a healthy second pregnancy! Good luck!
Sheila St. John
I think you mean you gave birth in Feb nursed for six months, and have since had four cycles, and are trying to conceive? It can take some time for the body to return to normal after nursing. The spotting you are having is an indication, in all likelihood, that your body has not yet returned to normal hormonally. It has been long enough that I would consider it reasonable to explore the causes of the spotting. If you are charting your cycles, you will have a record you can then share with a physician trained to evaluate the causes of this bleeding. It may be due to inadequate progesterone levels, and the treatment could be as simple as supplementing with bio-identical progesterone. The first step is to consult a teacher to chart a couple cycles. The teacher can then refer you to a physician who will utilize this individual record to pursue diagnosis and treatment, with the goal of a healthy second pregnancy! Good luck!
Sheila St. John
Answered By:
Sheila St. John
Sheila St. John is the Executive Director of the California Association of Natural Family Planning, coordinating the non-profit’s education and advocacy efforts throughout the state. Initially attracted to NFP as a healthy, effective method for planning families, drug, device and surgery free, her passion for NFP has grown over the last 42 years as she has journeyed with the over 900 couples she has personally instructed in its use, and been privileged to witness its role in overcoming infertility, women’s health, and the transformation that occurs in lives of men, women, and families, when we embrace God’s design for love and life.
