From: [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] Date: Wed, 19 Jun 1996 21:04:16 +0000 Subject: Endometriosis and breastfeeding Reply-to: [log in to unmask] Priority: normal X-Mailer: Pegasus Mail for Windows (v2.23) & WPEGWAF v0.7 Organization: Anythink Hi everyone As far as I know, endometriosis is reduced during lactation, mainly because oestrogen levels are lower, and it is this hormone that stimulates the areas of endometriosis. I presume that as long as someone isn't ovulating whilst breastfeeding, then their oestrogen levels are lower and they will have less problems. I think there is some evidence that long periods of anovulation (eg pregnancy followed by lactation for a longish period), may make areas of endometriosis regress quite a lot, so that the problem is not so bad when ovulation starts again. Katherine Dettwyler or others, is endometriosis rarer in societies where prolonged breastfeeding is the norm ?? Fiona Coombes Doctor and IBCLC Perth Western Australia Fiona Coombes MBBS IBCLC [log in to unmask] Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia Breastfeeding Counsellor Lactation Consultant, Family Physician Perth Western Australia