Menopause and Lactating? Can they go together?

[Treasuremapper]

I am 45 years old and nursing my two year old. Yes, I got started late, but please, can we not discuss that in this thread. I am seeking basic information in advance -- I don't want to debate whether it is OK to have kids this old and so forth.

What I am wondering is whether I can go into perimenopause while nursing? Does anyone know how lactating and menopause work together (or not?)

Thank you.

[Shenjall]

I've thought about posting this myself. Thanks!


The women in my family have a history of eary menopause - early to mid 30's so since I'm 33 and I'm starting to have symptoms, looks like I'll be part of my family history.

That being said, I'm still nursing my 3.5 yr old. Its just at nite, chances are she'll be self-weaned by the time menopause hits, but I still do think about it.

Okay, so I have no answers, sorry But, I'm wondering too.

[Ok]

I'm 43 and had my last baby at 40yo and he's still nursing. I considered myself perimenopausal when I got pg.

I'm not completely sure I understand your question. Perimenopause/Menopause is a spectrum, and the hormone shifts seem to work in jags. My periods lengthened out, but since have returned to a steadier cycle. All while nursing. But as mentioned, I thought I was well on the spectrum before even getting pg and nursing for the past couple years.

So if its a yes/no perimenopause while nursing, I'd say "yes."

[Treasuremapper]

I guess I don't have a specific question. I'm totally ignorant. I wondered if there is an interaction of any kind. For example, lactation and perimenopause are both associated with lowered levels of estrogen. Does this mean that there is a double whammy to bring on perimenopause sooner? Are the levels too low for lactation? That sort of thing.