Denise wrote, "Does anyone know if estrogen applied topically (as vaginal
cream or patches) has any effect on the breastmilk supply?"

Yes, the patches have a negative effect on the a breastfed baby's weight
gain. I worked with a client some years ago who was prescribed Estraderm
patches from Day 1 - Day 28 postpartum.  They seemed not to affect the
quantity of milk she produced, but the baby was jaundiced past the normal
time and his rate of gain tripled after mom stopped using the patches.  A
clinical pharmacologist and I wrote up the case and it was published:  Ball
DE, Morrison P. Oestrogen transdermal patches for post partum depression in
lactating mothers -- a case report.  Central African Journal of Medicine
1999;45(3):68-70.

Hope this helps.

Pamela Morrison IBCLC, Zimbabwe
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