Breastfeeding, Hormones & the Role of Myo & D-Chiro Inositol
Hormones go through major changes from pregnancy to postpartum, and they play an important role in breastfeeding, reproductive health, metabolism, mood, and overall wellbeing.
During the early days of breastfeeding, hormones are especially important in helping your body begin the milk-making process. Prolactin and oxytocin may be the hormones you hear about most often, but they are part of a much bigger hormonal system that also involves insulin, thyroid hormones, estrogen, and progesterone.
Understanding how these hormones work together can help you better understand some of the changes your body experiences during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding.
How Hormones Change After Birth
During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels remain high while your body prepares for your baby and breastfeeding.
After birth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly. This hormonal shift allows prolactin, one of the key hormones involved in milk production, to take on a more active role as your body transitions from producing colostrum to mature milk.
At the same time, another important hormone is at work: oxytocin.
When your baby nurses or you stimulate your breasts through pumping, oxytocin helps trigger the milk ejection reflex, commonly known as the letdown.
Even thinking about your baby, hearing them cry, or feeling their touch can sometimes be enough to trigger this hormonal response.
Why Prolactin Matters for Breastfeeding
Prolactin is one of the primary hormones involved in milk production.
Frequent and effective milk removal signals your body to continue producing milk. This is why regular nursing or pumping is particularly important when establishing your supply during the early postpartum period.
Prolactin levels also follow a natural daily rhythm and tend to be higher overnight.
This is one reason nighttime feeds can be particularly helpful during the early stages of establishing breastfeeding.
But prolactin doesn't work completely on its own.
Other hormones and metabolic processes, including insulin and thyroid hormones, also interact with the body's milk-making system.
The Connection Between Insulin & Hormonal Health
Insulin is best known for its role in helping the body regulate blood glucose, but research has also explored its relationship with reproductive and lactation health.
During the postpartum period, the body experiences significant metabolic and hormonal changes as it adjusts from pregnancy to breastfeeding and recovery.
Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, making it more difficult for glucose to move from the bloodstream into the cells.
Some signs associated with insulin resistance may include:
- Difficulty managing weight
- Changes in energy levels
- Irregular ovulation
- Higher androgen levels
- Changes in menstrual cycles
Insulin resistance is also commonly associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS, Hormones & Motherhood
PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect reproductive health, ovulation, fertility, and menstrual cycles.
Women with PCOS may experience:
- Irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles
- Fertility difficulties
- Elevated androgen levels
- Acne
- Excess facial or body hair
- Hair thinning
- Weight-management difficulties
PCOS is also frequently associated with insulin resistance.
When entering pregnancy, postpartum, or breastfeeding with PCOS, you may become even more aware of how closely connected reproductive and metabolic health can be.
Not every mum with PCOS will have the same experience, particularly when it comes to breastfeeding. If you have concerns about PCOS, your hormones, or your milk supply, speak with your doctor and an IBCLC or other qualified lactation professional.
What About Thyroid Hormones?
Your thyroid is another important part of the endocrine system.
The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate metabolism, energy, temperature, and many other functions throughout the body.
Several nutrients are involved in normal thyroid function, including:
- Iodine
- Selenium
- Vitamin A
- Zinc
- Iron
- Vitamin D
Both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions can affect how you feel during pregnancy and postpartum.
Symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, hair loss, changes in mood, muscle weakness, or changes in milk production can have many possible causes, so they shouldn't automatically be assumed to be hormonal.
If something doesn't feel right, particularly during pregnancy or postpartum, speak with your healthcare provider about whether further assessment is appropriate.
Where Does Myo-Inositol Come In?
Inositol is naturally present in the body and can also be found in foods including fruits, beans, nuts, and whole grains.
Myo-inositol is involved in cellular signalling and metabolic processes throughout the body, including pathways related to glucose and insulin.
This has led researchers to study myo-inositol in several areas of women's health, particularly metabolic and reproductive health.
Another form of inositol, D-chiro-inositol, is also involved in insulin signalling and glucose metabolism.
Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol perform different but complementary functions within the body, which is why they are often discussed together.
Why Myo & D-Chiro Inositol?
Research into inositol has particularly focused on areas such as:
- Reproductive health
- Ovarian function
- Menstrual cycle health
- Insulin sensitivity and metabolic health
- PCOS-related metabolic and reproductive health
- Fertility and preconception wellness
One commonly researched combination uses Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in a 40:1 ratio.
For mums navigating pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, or simply the many hormonal changes that can come with different stages of motherhood, inositol may be one nutrient worth discussing with your healthcare professional.
An Easy Addition to Your Wellness Routine
Legendairy Milk Myo & D-Chiro Inositol Chewables combines Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in a 40:1 ratio in an easy-to-take chewable format.
They're designed to make incorporating inositol into your daily wellness routine simple, whether you're thinking about your reproductive health, metabolic wellness, or nutritional needs through different stages of motherhood.
As nutritional needs can vary greatly between individuals, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, always speak with your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional before introducing a new supplement.
Supporting Your Body Through Every Stage of Motherhood
From pregnancy to postpartum and beyond, your body moves through significant hormonal and metabolic changes.
Prolactin and oxytocin support the breastfeeding process, while hormones such as insulin, estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones contribute to the much bigger picture of your body's health and wellbeing.
Nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management, effective milk removal, and appropriate professional support can all play a part in supporting you through these changes.
For mums interested in additional nutritional support, Myo & D-Chiro Inositol has been researched for its role in reproductive and metabolic health, making it an option to discuss with your healthcare professional as part of your individual wellness routine.
