Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: bridget on December 02, 2016, 11:20:21 PM

Title: Inducing lactation to help with breast growth
Post by: bridget on December 02, 2016, 11:20:21 PM
I've been on hormones (patch and spiro) for a little over 3 months now and I have almost no growth. I've just got little buds under the nipples and the whole area is a little more "fatty" under the chest. Since both my sisters are like less than an A-cup I dont think I have hope of ever getting to a B.

I'm thinking of getting a breast pump for breast feeding, pumping away and hopefully that will help me fill out more. From what I've read, in like a month I will drop E suddenly then start pumping and do it for like a couple months. Anyone else tried this and what were the results?
Title: Re: Inducing lactation to help with breast growth
Post by: Sophia Sage on December 03, 2016, 08:57:05 AM
I don't think you can induce lactation without having been on progesterone for a while, which is necessary for some glandular formation.  Also, you'll want to have been on hormones for at least a couple years.  And, of course, you'll want to consult your doctor -- dropping your hormones can have repercussions on other aspects of your health. 

I knew a woman who was completely flat-chested, up into her early thirties, and only developed breasts when she got pregnant.  I doubt a physician would go for a simulated pregnancy, though.
Title: Re: Inducing lactation to help with breast growth
Post by: KayXo on December 03, 2016, 09:50:05 AM
Simulated or pseudopregnancy is not the same as lactation. The former is characterized by high levels of progesterone, estrogen and prolactin (and other hormones as well) whereas during lactation, prolactin is only elevated (in addition to oxytocin). The drop in progesterone (post-partum), especially, is what allows milk to finally come out of the breast combined with the suckling action and stimulation of oxytocin. Progesterone is indeed needed to develop mature milk glands and for full lactation.

Please discuss this with a doctor. I personally have high prolactin, progesterone and estradiol levels, typical of first term pregnancy and my breasts are less than a B.
Title: Re: Inducing lactation to help with breast growth
Post by: spx_1112 on December 06, 2016, 06:39:50 AM
Hi girls it's Shannon. I'm almost a C and have a manual and electric breast pump.

Editor's note removed drug name to stop people from using it to self medicate.
Title: Re: Inducing lactation to help with breast growth
Post by: KayXo on December 06, 2016, 09:39:56 AM
My prolactin levels are already super high because of my high estradiol concentrations. :) But, hasn't done much for my breasts, to be honest.
Title: Re: Inducing lactation to help with breast growth
Post by: Lady_Oracle on December 06, 2016, 04:17:57 PM
I would wait awhile until your breasts have matured more like a lot more, at least tanner stage 3-4, just cause the breasts would be more receptive. You've only been on hrt for three months, thats literally 0 time honestly.
Title: Re: Inducing lactation to help with breast growth
Post by: KayXo on December 06, 2016, 08:32:29 PM
Progesterone also helps with the maturation of milk glands.