Hormone imbalances may also be a risk factor for yeast infections. Hormones can have a pretty big impact on your vagina's delicate microbiome. Fluctuations in estrogen can lead to an overgrowth of yeast and eventually a yeast infection.
Yes — high estrogen is associated with yeast infections, which is thought to be why they are so prevalent during pregnancy, when estrogen levels can increase around 30-fold. Yeast infection symptoms also tend to appear during the luteal phase (just before you get your period), due to the surge of estrogen at ovulation.
Both vaginal atrophy and yeast infections can have symptoms of dryness, itching, redness and pain. However, vaginal atrophy is caused by a lack of estrogen while a vaginal yeast infection is caused by a fungal infection.
Increased estrogen levels.
Yeast infections are more common in women with higher estrogen levels — such as pregnant women or women taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills or estrogen hormone therapy.
Hormonal imbalances are linked to yeast infections. People are more likely to get candidiasis if they're pregnant, on hormonal contraception, and around their period. This is because it disrupts your body's natural balance of progesterone and estrogen. High levels of estrogen cause Candida fungi to overgrow.
A lack of regular hygiene practices, such as daily showers and brushing your teeth, or a constantly damp environment can also lead to chronic yeast infections. You're also at risk of recurring yeast infections if you have a weakened immune system.
Hormone replacement therapy.
Although HRT helps reduce many menopause symptoms, it also increases your chance of getting yeast infections.
Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal medications — which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories — include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole.
“Estrogen is the dominant reproductive hormone that supports and sustains an experimental vaginal Candida albicans infection and reduces the inhibitory activity of epithelial cells against Candida.
In addition estrogen deficiency occurring following the menopause is known to cause atrophic change and may be associated with lower urinary tract symptoms such as frequency, urgency, nocturia, urgency incontinence and recurrent infection.
Eating a varied diet can provide the body with the nutrients it needs for progesterone metabolism. This includes foods such as cruciferous vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Keeping a healthy weight, staying on a consistent sleep schedule, and managing stress can help to keep hormones balanced as well.
CARD9 deficiency is a genetic immune disorder characterized by susceptibility to fungal infections like candidiasis, which is caused by the yeast fungus Candida.
Apple cider vinegar potentially has both antifungal and antimicrobial effects. This means that it may treat and prevent an overgrowth of both yeast and bacteria in the body.
To treat chronic yeast infections, a doctor will prescribe a longer course of antifungal medication to be taken once a week for up to six months. They'll also help you understand what's causing your chronic yeast infections so you can make any lifestyle adjustments to prevent infections.
Don't wear nylon or other fabric that holds body heat and moisture close to the skin. Try sleeping without underwear. Don't scratch. Relieve itching with a cold pack or a cool bath.
The Menopause-Yeast Infection Connection
As you go through menopause, you may notice that your vaginal tissue dries out. Not only can this affect libido and cause sex to become more painful, but it also makes any type of infection more likely, including a yeast infection.
Studies have shown that when taken, probiotics will improve symptoms for those who already have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Probiotics are also able to prevent a potential infection. These bacteria work to balance out the pH level of the vagina, which makes for a healthy and hospitable environment.
Research shows that HRT or any increased use of the hormones estrogen or progesterone can upset the body's natural balance, including bacteria that keep everything under control in your vagina, and once things get out of whack, a yeast infection can get started.
Low estrogen levels can interfere with sexual development and sexual functions. They can also increase your risk for obesity, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Estrogen affects the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature. Low estrogen causes hot flashes and night sweats, two annoying symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.
A Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study involving postmenopausal, overweight, and obese women who took 2,000 IUs of vitamin D daily for a year found that those whose vitamin D blood levels increased the most had the greatest reductions in blood estrogens, which are a known risk factor for breast cancer.
The best treatment to get rid of most yeast infections comes down to medicated creams or a pill. Studies show that these creams and the oral pill, fluconazole, both work more than 90% of the time. Uncomplicated yeast infections usually respond to treatment within a couple of days.
B Vitamins
Because B vitamins play a vital role in the creation of estrogen, low levels of B vitamins can result in reduced production of estrogen. Vitamins B2 and B6, in particular, are associated with healthy estrogen levels.