How long before hormones return to "normal" after weaning?

by Jennifer
(Montreal, Canada)

I'm in the process of weaning my son (it's been 48 hours since his last night feed) and wonder how long it takes for my hormones to go back to the levels before I had him. Also I've read this drop in hormones can lead to depression. Are there any vitamin supplements you would recommend to help with this transition?

Answer from the lactation consultant
Very good question. Fluctuations in hormones is common during lactation and weaning due to the fact that lactation is a hormone based system. The pituitary gland is where the hormones are released during lactation. But it also has control over other hormone levels : TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone to mention one, does have some effects on mood/energy.
All this being said, most women have no issues of hormone imbalance while lactating or weaning.
I personally, have a history of depression, yet had no symptoms of depression or mood swings during my breastfeeding or weaning.
If you do feel symptoms of depression or any other bothersome symptoms, the best thing to do is to seek help from your physician who can run hormone tests to see if you are out of balance. You may wish to seek alternative care with a naturopath or herbalist. But I personally would only do so after finding the root cause from my doctor.
If you are feeling symptomatic, seek help.
Last but not least, remember, you are becoming VERY fertile from weaning those night feeds so think about contraception as well unless you are ready for another baby.:)
Hope this helps,
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC