Breast Feeding Basics

Lupus is a potentially life threatening autoimmune disorder which affects about 2 million Americans. For most people the disease is mild, affecting only a few organs, but for others the disease can be life threatening. In fact, the daughter of someone I know died from lupus. Interestingly, most of those affected with the disease are women.

The disease appears to come about as a result of low DHEA and relatively higher female estrogen and progesterone influence. Lupus can lead to early menopause because the ovaries depend on sufficient DHEA levels to remain youthful and productive.

While the disease seems to unfairly rob women of enjoying their youthful years, the good news is that breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of developing Lupus.

Source: “Hormonal and reproductive risk factors for development of systemic lupus erythematosus: Results of a population-based, case-control study,” Arthritis and Rheumatism 2002 46(7):1830-1839

This is probably because breastfeeding reduces the amount of both estrogen and progesterone to post-menopausal levels, giving the new mother’s body a healthy break from the wear and tear of the monthly hormonal cycle.

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 20th, 2008 at 9:16 am and is filed under Benefits for Mother.
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