How does breastfeeding affect LH levels?

The luteinizing hormone (LH) remains low during lactation but at weaning, LH concentrations increase as prolactin levels decrease.

Does breastfeeding affect hormone levels?

When you’re breastfeeding, prolactin levels are high, and estrogen levels are low. The relationship between these hormones keeps your breast milk supply up and your period away. If you breastfeed exclusively, it can delay the return of your period for many months.

Does breastfeeding affect your progesterone levels?

Once a pregnancy begins, progesterone levels begin to rise. This is due to the feedback loop which causes the corpus luteum to stay functional and producing progesterone rather than degrading (See Part 1). High progesterone has an impact on milk supply.

Can breastfeeding affect implantation?

If you are still transitioning to full fertility (as discussed above), breastfeeding may affect the success of implantation. Once implantation is successful, breastfeeding should not affect a healthy pregnancy (see A New Look at the Safety of Breastfeeding During Pregnancy for more information).

How does breastfeeding affect the return of fertility?

When this happens, the body is probably “gearing up” for the return of menstruation, but breastfeeding is still delaying the return of fertility. The amount of time that it takes for the transition to full fertility varies from woman to woman. In general, the earlier that your menses return, the more gradual the return to full fertility.

How does breastfeeding affect the success of an implantation?

Probably not. If you are still transitioning to full fertility (as discussed above), breastfeeding may affect the success of implantation. Once implantation is successful, breastfeeding should not affect a healthy pregnancy (see A New Look at the Safety of Breastfeeding During Pregnancy for more information).

How does breastfeeding affect your pregnancy test results?

Many mothers wonder whether breastfeeding will affect the reliability of pregnancy tests. It does not — pregnancy tests measure the amount of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in blood or urine, and hCG levels are not affected by breastfeeding. The developing placenta begins releasing hCG…

How does Vitex affect progesterone levels in women?

Vitex has also been shown to increase luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and subsequent progesterone levels in women with luteal phase defect – a condition that can also lead to menstrual cycle imbalances like amenorrhea.