What is the mechanism of action of the lactational amenorrhea method?

When a woman breastfeeds, the stimulation of the nipple by the infant’s suckling sends nerve impulses to the mother’s hypothalamus, which responds by changing the production of the pituitary hormones. As described earlier, these hormones are needed to stimulate ovulation.

What happens in lactational amenorrhea?

The contraceptive effect of the lactational amenorrhoea method is a result of increased levels of prolactin. When prolactin levels increase, the production and secretion of another hormone, gonadotrophin releasing hormone are inhibited.

What 3 conditions must be met when using the lactational amenorrhea method?

These guidelines include the following three criteria, all of which must be met to ensure adequate protection from an unplanned pregnancy: 1) amenorrhea; 2) fully or nearly fully breastfeeding (no interval of >4–6 hours between breastfeeds); and 3) <6 months postpartum.

What is the efficacy of lactational amenorrhea method?

The lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM) is the informed use of breastfeeding as a contraceptive method by a woman who is still amenorrhoeic, and who is not feeding her baby with supplements, for up to 6 months after delivery. Under these three conditions, LAM users are thought to have 98% protection from pregnancy.

Why amenorrhea occurs during lactation?

Elevated prolactin levels and a reduction of gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus during lactation suppress ovulation. This leads to a reduction in luteinizing hormone (LH) release and inhibition of follicular maturation.

Why does lactational amenorrhea only occur in 6 months?

In general, breast-feeding delays the return of fertility post-partum. However, lactational amenorrhea is based on the premise that the mother is exclusively breast-feeding the infant. This method provides some contraceptive benefit for the first 6 months postpartum if certain criteria are met.

How is lactational amenorrhea treated?

Common medical treatments for secondary amenorrhea include: Birth control pills or other types of hormonal medication. Certain oral contraceptives may help restart the menstrual cycle. Medications to help relieve the symptoms of PCOS.

How long can lactational amenorrhea last?

According to The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (p. 364-366), almost everyone who is fully breastfeeding their babies will be free of menstrual periods for 3 – 6 months or longer. This is called lactational amenorrhea.

Why the lactational amenorrhea is not effective?

Her baby is older than six months. Usually the baby will breastfeed less when this happens, thus, LAM becomes less effective. Any one of these changes will reduce LAM’s high efficacy. At this time, the LAM user should be counseled about complementary family planning methods that do not interfere with breastfeeding.

Why ovulation does not occur during lactation?

When to use the lactational amenorrhea method ( LAM )?

The lactational amenorrhea method is based on three simultaneous conditions: (1) the baby is under 6 months; (2) the mother is still amenorrheic; and (3) she practises exclusive or quasi-exclusive breastfeeding on demand, day and night. Experiments with LAM extended to 9-12 months are ongoing. We use a standardized algorithm to present LAM.

How is lactational amenorrhea related to ovarian cycle?

Physiological mechanisms underlying lactational amenorrhea Breastfeeding delays the resumption of normal ovarian cycles by disrupting the pattern of pulsatile release of GnRH from the hypothalamus and hence LH from the pituitary.

How is amenorrhea transmitted from mother to infant?

Lactational Amenorrhea Method 1 HIV Infection. HIV can be transmitted from mother to infant through breastfeeding. 2 Other Medical Conditions. 3 Medication Used during Breastfeeding.

Is it safe to use lactational amenorrhea for birth control?

No medical conditions exist for which use of the lactational amenorrhea method for contraception is restricted. However, breastfeeding might not be recommended for women or infants with certain conditions.