If you keep getting vaginal infections, you might be wondering if your hormones are to blame...
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If you keep getting vaginal infections, you might be wondering if your hormones are to blame...
While mood swings and acne are the more obvious signs of hormonal changes, their impact on your vaginal health often goes unnoticed. The truth? Your menstrual cycle has a direct effect on your vaginal microbiome and risk of infection.
In this article, we’ll explore how your microbiome changes with your cycle, when you’re likely to be more vulnerable to infections, and why oestrogen is a key player in your vaginal health.
Your vaginal microbiome is an invisible ecosystem made up of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms. It’s constantly changing, working to strike a healthy balance between ‘helpful’ and ‘harmful’ bacteria.
Lactobacilli are the dominant ‘helpful’ bacteria in your vaginal microbiome. A well-balanced microbiome with plenty of Lactobacilli helps protect against infections like sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Vulvo Vaginal Candidiasis (also known as thrush or a yeast infection).
Lactobacilli are the unsung heroes of your vaginal microbiome. They work hard to keep harmful bacteria in check by:
A healthy vaginal microbiome has a strong Lactobacilli population. When their levels drop, harmful bacteria can take over, leading to dysbiosis and an increased risk of infection.
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate almost every function in your body. Oestrogen and progesterone are the key hormones in your menstrual cycle, working together to prepare your body for potential pregnancy.
When it comes to vaginal health, oestrogen supports your vagina in two vital ways:
Oestrogen increases the production of a sugar called glycogen in the vagina, which feeds Lactobacilli and helps them thrive.
It’s all about balance when it comes to your vaginal microbiome.
A healthy level of oestrogen supports Lactobacilli to thrive, but too much can trigger an overgrowth of Candida, the fungus responsible for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC, also known as thrush or yeast infections). Yeast infections are particularly common during pregnancy when oestrogen levels are high.
Progesterone, on the other hand, may have the opposite effect. Research suggests that higher progesterone levels in the luteal phase can lower glycogen availability. This can reduce Lactobacilli levels, creating an environment where infection is more likely to take hold.
Your menstrual cycle is about so much more than your period. Many of the changes are more subtle, including the ones to your vaginal microbiome. As your hormone levels rise and fall throughout your cycle, they influence which bacteria thrive in your vagina and how susceptible you are to infection.
Different infections thrive in different conditions, so your infection risk changes throughout your cycle.
Your risk of infection remains lowest around ovulation, when Lactobacilli levels are at their highest and your vaginal microbiome is most protected.
Hormonal contraception contains synthetic hormones that alter your natural levels and control your menstrual cycle. Research into the direct impact of contraception on your vaginal microbiome is still in its early stages but current studies suggest:
Everyone reacts differently to hormonal contraception. Always speak to your doctor about your personal health history to explore the best contraceptive option for you.
Your vaginal microbiome naturally shifts with your menstrual cycle, influenced by rising and falling hormone levels. If you struggle with recurring vaginal infections, tracking your cycle and spotting any patterns might help you understand what’s going on down there. Recognising your body’s natural rhythms and knowing when you’re most at risk of infections can empower you to take proactive steps to support a healthy vaginal microbiome.
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