Vagifem and breastfeeding - supply decrease? safety?

[ebowie]

Hello! My OBGYN has suggested Vagifem® (estradiol vaginal inserts) 10 mcg ([url]https://www.vagifem.com/[/url]) to assist with healing at 3 months postpartum. I have received conflicting information on estrogen and milk supply - my lactation consultants advise not to use it because it will decrease my supply and goes into milk. My OBGYN says she is not concerned and it doesn't go into the body because it is a vaginal insert.

(I did not see this medication on mommymeds)

Do you have any guidance on estrogen and breastfeeding? Thank you!

[admin]

Vagifem (estradiol vaginal inserts) can be systemically absorbed and could potentially cause estrogen dependent suppression of milk production. Most all of us suggest NOT using it while breastfeeding and some of it might go into you milk supply. Estradiol vaginally does get absorbed to some degree, and is not subject to absorption in the liver(avoids first pass effect). I'd be cautious about using it during breastfeeding.

Tom Hale Ph.D.