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Menopause~ Vaginal Microbiome



Menopause
 What is a Healthy Vaginal Microbiome

Understanding the Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Vaginal Microbiome



As women, taking care of our bodies is essential for both physical and emotional well-being. However, many of us may not be aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome. Factors such as menopause, hormonal changes, and the use of certain feminine hygiene products can all affect the balance of bacteria in our intimate areas, leading to discomfort and even infection. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the topic of vaginal microbiome and the measures we can take to maintain good vaginal health.

Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through, usually between the ages of forty to fifty-five. During this time, the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuate, leading to changes in the body. One common complaint among menopausal women is weight gain, particularly around the midsection. However, the loss of estrogen during menopause can also affect the vaginal microbiome, leading to vaginal dryness, soreness, and dysbiosis (an imbalance of bacteria).

A healthy vaginal microbiome refers to the balance of microorganisms that naturally inhabit the vagina, including lactobacilli, which produce lactic acid and help to maintain the acidic pH level of the vagina. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections. Fortunately, there are steps that women can take to help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome.

One of the best ways to maintain good vaginal health is by using feminine hygiene products that contain lactobacilli. A 2022 study published by Yoshikata et al showed that Lactobacillus-containing feminine hygiene products can be effective in maintaining a healthy vaginal ecosystem. However, it is important to choose products that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, as these can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina. 

In addition to choosing the right feminine hygiene products, women can also support their vaginal health by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. Taking a probiotic high in Lactobacillus. Eating a diet rich in ( fiber) whole foods, fruits, and vegetables can help to support the microbiome, and immune system and reduce inflammation. Regular exercise, stress management techniques, and getting enough sleep can also promote overall well-being, including vaginal health.

For women experiencing persistent vaginal symptoms or concerns, it may be helpful to seek advice from an integrative or functional medicine practitioner. These practitioners can order lab tests to evaluate the vaginal microbiome and provide personalized guidance on how to improve vaginal health.

Maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome is essential for women's overall wellbeing. Although menopause and other factors can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina, there are steps that women can take to support good vaginal health. Choosing the right feminine hygiene products, eating a healthy diet, and seeking guidance from integrative or functional medicine practitioners can all help to promote a healthy vaginal microbiome. As women, it is important to prioritize our intimate health and understand the role that the vaginal microbiome plays in our overall wellbeing.






 Martino JL, Vermund SH. Vaginal douching: evidence for risks or benefits to women's health. Epidemiol Rev. 2002;24(2):109-24. doi: 10.1093/epirev/mxf004. PMID: 12762087; PMCID: PMC2567125.

Mitchell CM, Srinivasan S, Plantinga A, Wu MC, Reed SD, Guthrie KA, LaCroix AZ, Fiedler T, Munch M, Liu C, Hoffman NG, Blair IA, Newton K, Freeman EW, Joffe H, Cohen L, Fredricks DN. Associations between improvement in genitourinary symptoms of menopause and changes in the vaginal ecosystem. Menopause. 2018 May;25(5):500-507. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001037. PMID: 29206774; PMCID: PMC5898977.

Yoshikata R, Yamaguchi M, Mase Y, Tatsuyuki A, Myint KZY, Ohta H. Evaluation of the efficacy of Lactobacillus-containing feminine hygiene products on vaginal microbiome and genitourinary symptoms in pre- and postmenopausal women: A pilot randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2022 Dec 30;17(12):e0270242. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270242. PMID: 36584204; PMCID: PMC9803311.



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