[madisonla]

I am 10 weeks postpartum. I stopped breastfeeding 5weeks postpartum. Approximately 3 weeks after that I started experiencing pain in my ovaries which continues now. I am also bloated which I don't know if the cause is pregnancy related or something more serious. There is no chance I am pregnant. I am fearful of ovarian cancer. Can someone advise if this is normal?

[Eileen G]

I can pretty much guarantee it's not ovarian cancer. The whole process of giving birth and breastfeeding tends to put your body on optimal immunity. Even a lot of serious pre-existing conditions go into recess during pregnancy/nursing. (I know one woman who breastfed for five years, because as long as she did, her MS went away).

I suspect that the real problem is old-fashioned PMS. I bet your ovaries are wondering when would be the right time to start producing eggs again, and your hormones are on edge waiting.

Did you have your six week check-up? What did your care-giver say? If you are experiencing serious pain, go back and get it checked out.

[madisonla]

Thanks for the encouragement- I did go to my 6 week check up. I didn't start experiencing the symptoms until about 8 weeks postpartum, so it wasn't an issue then. I actually have an u/s scheduled for next week but of course it's hard to wait!

[J_9]

Do you have a history of cancer in your family? Is that why you are concerned?

[madisonla]

My mother died a year and a half ago of brain cancer. This is the only immediate family member that has had cancer. I am now hyper sensitive to cancer and fearful. That is probably why I am worried. I am just having a dull ache in my ovaries- particularly my right. It does seem coincidental that it began 3 weeks after I stopped breastfeeding. But since it has continued and I haven't started my period I thought that was odd.