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Question - Is There A Connection Between PCOS & Breastfeeding Difficulty?:
"I have PCOS and went through fertility testing a year and a half ago. My question has to do with breastfeeding. Because PCOS affects hormonal levels, I'm wondering if that is why I was unsuccessful with breastfeeding. My son latched very well, but I was unable to produce much milk and as a result, used formula after a month of trying pumping and various herbs and drinking lots of fluids. I know that prolactin is needed to produce milk. Could the hormonal changes of PCOS affect that, which in turn, cause a poor milk supply?"
Answer:
You're right on target. Research is actually being done to determine more specifically the link to which you're referring, between PCOS and possible breastfeeding problems.
One theory is that a progesterone deficiency, common in women with PCOS, is to blame for a lessened milk supply. Another theory relates to the influence of higher androgens, also common with PCOS, which can work against the needed effects of estrogen and prolactin. Still another holds that high levels of circulating estrogen could disrupt lactation. There is also some concern about the role of insulin in lactation, as it is known that women with uncontrolled diabetes do not produce enough milk.
The drug Domperidone has been used successfully to increase some mothers' milk supplies through its prolactin-production enhancing qualities.
You may be interested in and eligible for ongoing lactation research (as it regards many conditions, not just PCOS.) If so, you can read more about it at the International Registry for Breastfeeding Research, sponsored by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
More: Breastfeeding Factsheets
© Tracy Morris
