Patient's question:
What causes breast atrophy after weaning? How can it be restored?Doctor's answer:
After a woman becomes pregnant, due to the effects of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and placental lactogen, her breasts become fuller. After childbirth, as the levels of various hormones in her body decline, prolactin from the pituitary gland is no longer inhibited, and the mother begins to lactate. The secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland further suppresses the function of the ovaries. Generally, women's ovarian function recovers quickly after weaning. However, some women may experience slower recovery due to prolonged breastfeeding, poorer initial ovarian function, or greater sensitivity of the ovaries to prolactin, leading to reduced secretion of female hormones and atrophy of the breasts.Additionally, many women experience significant physical consumption during breastfeeding and the exhausting task of caring for children, resulting in a substantial decrease in their body's stored fat and a thinner body shape. Combined with concerns about pregnancy and reduced sexual desire due to a lack of sexual hormones, this can also lead to breast atrophy.
Prevention and Treatment of Breast Atrophy After Weaning:
1. Engage in appropriate sexual activity, allowing the breasts to receive certain sexual stimuli during intercourse, or massage both breasts regularly, both of which can help promote the recovery of fuller breasts.
2. Strengthen chest muscle exercises.
3. Maintain a balanced diet, consuming more nutrient-rich foods that are high in animal fat and protein to replenish the body's depleted fat. If medical examination reveals low ovarian function or low estrogen levels, estrogen supplements can also be taken under a doctor's guidance.