Hello. I'm nursing my 13 month old boy and plan to continue for some time (at least for another year, hopefully). After my son was born I started using Mirena (IUD), which has been nice. I have been having issues due to low estrogen though, since my son was born. I don't think it is related to the Mirena. I have vaginal pain and extreme dryness. I've tried using OTC moisturizers but they really aren't cutting it. A nurse in my OB/GYNs practice wrote me a prescription for Estring about 5 months ago. I picked one up at the pharmacy, but then got concerned that it might hurt my milk supply/quality so I decided to hold off on using it. The doctor's office of course said it would be fine, probably. But that wasn't quite reassuring enough for me. I'm wondering if anyone out there has been using Estring or other hormone therapies while nursing. Also wondering if Estring had unwanted side effects, like weight gain. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I didn't encounter this problem after my first child. (I also wasn't on birth control then, and was younger. hmmm...)
I can guarantee only one thing dear heart-- each pregnancy and lactation period is it's own thing-- they are all different ( had 3 children - nursed them for 16, 12 and 10 months -- back in the 70s when it was NOT supported like it is now- you are so fortunate) -- I 'spect these younger Moms will have great information for you--
Blessings,
Old Mom-- aka-- J.
Well, low estrogen and vag. dryness are pretty common while nursing and I am very surprised that you were prescribed Estring. Not only can it interfere with lactation (did the nurse know that you were nursing and planned on keeping on doing it?) but if you do get your estrogen level up artificially, you may increase the estrogen level in your milk and such pass it on to your son. That can have all kinds of unwanted side effects like breast development. The patient information states pretty clearly that it is contraindicated if you are nursing. That however is the case for any estrogen preparations, now matter if it is a ring or cream.
While you are nursing the best way is to stick to lubricants. You may get back to normal naturally after weaning or can get properly diagnosed at that point - if your doctor hasn't done so yet, also get your thyroid checked (that can be done now)!
BTW, I have a mirena too, and do very well with it. It did not affect my milk supply at all (nursed until 19 mo) and have no side effects whatsoever - but every woman reacts differently to it, so keep that in mind...
Good Luck!
Estring has estrogen in it, so it would definitely interfere with milk supply. If you are concerned about vaginal dryness, ask your nurse practitioner to prescribe you some estrogen cream (Premarin, for example). You can apply a pea-sized amount at the vaginal opening 2-3 times a week. Good luck!
Hi, I'm a lactation consultant in private practice in Seattle (www.second9months.com) and hormones can affect breastfeeding for sure. I'm surprised you're still able to have a milk supply with the mirena. I've seen it drastically reduce supply in many women. The estrogen may have a similar effect. many times drs just don't know about it. some women experience dryness with breastfeeding. be very careful with the hormones and watch your supply carefully! there may be more info on line about the estring. topical estrogen cream may work as well with fewer side effects. good luck!
R. Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC
