Hey fellow lactation people!
 
I have recently been doing some research into Testosterone and think that I 
have pieced together a few things that are quite interesting. Granted, I am 
sure this is all written very concisely in a textbook somewhere - but it's news 
to me and very fun.
 
I have been investigating hormones lately, but especially testosterone 
because I figured out my Testosterone levels were elevated because of 
various side effects listed by various sources. This was upsetting and I set 
out to treat it with herbs and meditation. Oddly enough as I felt myself feeling 
more normal and less agressive I also noticed my milk supply increased. 
Recently while reading a book on hormones I read the following:
 
" Testosterone is the most powerful bone-building hormone"
 
AHA!!!
 
In all my breastfeeding classes I tell moms that during the weaning phase they 
will replace all the bone lost during lactation and then some. So, knowing the 
function of testosterone in bone building we can then deduce that maybe as 
we go through the weaning stages testosterone levels naturally rise to replace 
bone mass. Of course knowing the other effects of testosterone we would be 
able to put allot of other things together. Like, testosterone increases feelings 
of aggression (moms knowing this might feel less guilty). Also we might figure 
that during the weaning stages if moms get certain symptoms (that might 
otherwise be cause for worry) we can reassure them that they are in fact 
appropriate for that stage of nursing. Such symptoms could include:
 
Ovarian cysts
Hair loss (from head)
Increased body hair
Acne
Lighter periods
 
I would like to get the opinions of some IBCLC's on this. Am I repeating the 
obvious and well documented or am I totally having a brain fart and confusing 
the hormone process?
 
Thanks!
Faith Hobby
Certified Lactation Counselor

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