Ok, I talk a lot about the gut microbiome but there is more than 1 important microbiome in the body. The one we will talk about today is the vaginal microbiome! Yes, the vagina has its own microbiome and therefore, can colonise bacteria both beneficial and pathogenic just like the gut. It is important to have a good balance in the vagina for vagina health. Another aspect that impacts this microbiome is our hormonal health and often part not looked at my the GPs when treating vaginal microbiome issues such as vaginal infections like thrush, BV, UTIs.
Your vaginal microbiome changes with the various fluctuations in hormones and you will often see a particular time in the month or your cycle where you are likely to get that recurring thrush. Well this is due to your hormones! So lets look at this deeper.
What is the vaginal microbiome?
Your vaginal microbiome is an intricate ecosystem of different bacteria which colonise in the mucous layer within your vagina. The most predominant beneficial bacteria is Lactobacillus.
How does our vaginal microbiome change with hormones?
As we grow up the vaginal microbiome changes due to the fluctuations in reproductive hormones throughout the menstrual cycle. These fluctuations change the pH of the vagina and the most ideal pH is between 3.5-4.5. This is why it is more stable and less infections occur during pregnancy and menopause. These do have there own issues though. There can also be vaginal microbiome disruption can be due to low levels of estrogen. This is also why the flares tend to occur around ovulation as this is when estrogen is at its highest level.
What are the different vaginal infections?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or Aerobic Vaginosis (AV):
Flares of BV or AV often occur post their bleed as the estrogen levels are low and then the estrogen is low the pH is disrupted in the vaginal microbiome.
Thrush
This is also known as a yeast infection and an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina. When we have too much estrogen in the body whether it is due to the pill, pregnancy, HRT, xenoestrogens, excess weight or estrogen dominance we are more likely to have recurrent yeast infections. This is because estrogen control the levels of glycogen in the vagina which feeds the yeast leading to an overgrowth. Also, when you are under a lot of stress, the body produces less progesterone and favours the production of cortisol. Without progesterone to oppose estrogen you end up with excess estrogen.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
When estrogen levels in the vaginal microbiome are at healthy levels, this can reduce the recurrence of UTIs. It is important to have healthy estrogen to progesterone levels to reduce UTI risk. When estrogen levels are too low then micro-cuts can occur in the vaginal wall tissue, which can cause inflammation and irritation.
Naturopath Approach to optimising vaginal microbiome and hormone balance
Balancing Hormones - hormones play a major role in vaginal health and vaginal symptoms can be one of the first indicators of a hormonal imbalance in the body. We may use a combination of herbs, supplements and diet modifications to restore hormonal balance.
Pelvic Floor Therapy - can help with vaginal pain, discomfort, prolapse and urinary incontinence.
Restoring and replenishing the vaginal microbiome - Vaginal Probiotics can be taken orally or inserted as pessaries, which directly restore the balance of good bacteria in the vagina and prevent infections. Oral probiotics can also be taken to promote a healthy bacterial ecosystem in the vagina.
Optimising diet – reducing sugar and alcohol as this can increase vaginal infections suspectibility. Diet is closely linked to vaginal concerns, especially reoccurring yeast infections or UTIs.
Ensuring Proper Immune Function - to help prevent future infections/imbalances and reduce localised inflammation.
Boric Acid: Boric acid suppositories are an excellent option for those dealing with recurrent thrush and BV. They work by restoring the vaginal pH and have antifungal and antibacterial properties that help prevent or eliminate overgrowths.
If you are suffering with chronic vaginal infections or hormonal imbalance, book in a FREE 15 minute consultation to see how I can help you and get off the train off constant antibiotics.
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