Caused by adoptive breast feeding attempt?

[Seraphic Queen]

Last year, we adopted a 6 1/2 month old. I tried to induce lactation by pumping and taking fenugreek. I did produce some. The baby had feeding problems and low weight to begin with, which may have contributed to my lack of success.

Anyway, my periods stopped around the time I initiated pumping and fenugreek. They have never returned. Could I have induced menopause early with the regimen?

[TurboClaudia]

hmmm... an interesting thought, but i am not sure that is even possible.

becoming a parent is a pretty stressful situation. that could be a reason.

have you ruled out other hormonal things: thyroid, hormone levels, etc? changed your eating/exercising habits?

~claudia

[minkajane]

NO. You did NOT induce early menopause. You might have induced lactational amenorrhea, however. Most women go for a long time before getting their first postpartum period if they're nursing. I don't see why the same thing wouldn't apply to induced lactation. The same hormones are in play. I wouldn't worry about it.

And YAY to you for giving your little one the best!

[JBaxter]

There is no possible chance you are pregnant is there?

[Elowyn]

I can't imagine that bf (or even an attempt) would put you into menopause. More likely it's persistent high prolactin even though you aren't nursing anymore. Or, if you're the right age, menopause just happened to hit now.

[Seraphic Queen]

Thanks for the input. What you all say makes sense. Pregnancy tests are negative.

Perhaps it was just time for menopause. I thought women get warnings about it coming--changes in spacing and character of menses, for example.