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Article reviewed by: Dr. Noelle King, N.D.
If you seem to get a yeast infection during your period, chances are, it is due to an elevated, alkaline vaginal pH. The normal pH of a healthy reproductive age female’s vagina, when it is not menstruating, is between 4 and 5.
During menstruation, the addition of menstrual fluids raises this pH. Also, estrogen levels are lower during your period; and, low estrogen levels cause the vagina to be less acidic as well. The yeast Candida love to grow in a alkaline, less acidic, vaginal environment.
Thus, because of the lower vaginal pH, that can occur during menses, this could be a key reason why you seem to get yeast infections at this time.
Using normal tampons may have an adverse effect on the pH of the vagina. Because tampons trap vaginal discharge, they also can lower pH. Blood has a pH of 7.4; so, keeping extra menstrual fluid trapped in the vagina, will greatly raise the pH.
If you don’t want to use a pH balancing tampon to keep your vagina acidic, you may want to switch to a menstrual pad of some kind. Using a pad will allow the blood to flow out of the vagina and not “water down” the naturally acidic fluids in the vagina.
Using a menstrual pad may be even better than using a pH balancing tampon.
Findings in Research
One study stated the variance of vaginal pH during a period quite well. The study was published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics [85.3 (2004): 298-300]. According to the researchers:
The vagina of a reproductive-age woman has a pH between 4 and 5. During menstruation, the vagina becomes less acidic due to the presence of menstrual fluid and diminished population of lactobacilli.
If the vagina becomes less acidic, the protective barrier provided by the normal acidic condition of the vagina becomes less effective and colonization by pathogenic microorganisms tends to appear. The antimicrobial activity of the vaginal fluids is correlated with low pH and high lactic acid content.
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics [85.3 (2004): 298-300]
The study also stated, that using a pH balancing tampon could help stop yeast infections during periods. The tampon used in the study, which was found to help reduce yeast infections during a period, contained lactic acid (the same type of acid produced by helpful vaginal probiotics) and citric acid.
Tampons that contained this acid, effectively reduced vaginal pH during menstruation to levels typically found during non-menstruation. According to this same study:
These results indicate that the test tampon [the test tampon contained lactic and citric acids] can effectively reduce the elevation of vaginal pH during menstruation to the values present during the non-menstruating period. This effect is probably due to the continuous release of lactic acid.
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics [85.3 (2004): 298-300]
Another study discussed the changes that can occur to the vaginal microbiota during menses. The study was published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases [30.6 (2000): 901-907]. The research looked at the microbiotic life present in the vaginas of two groups of women: those with bacterial vaginosis (BV), and those without BV.
The study found that women without BV had very little change in the amount of Lactobacillus bacteria during the course of their menstrual cycle (recovery rate for these bacteria ranged from 82% to 98%). However, women with BV had significantly less Lactobacillus bacteria during menses; Lactobacillus was only recovered from 33% of the women with BV during menses.
Towards the end of the menstrual cycle, the Lactobacillus in these women with BV, did grow; but, still was recovered from only 54% of the women at the end of their menstrual cycle.
A reduction in Lactobacillus bacteria can cause other pathogenic microbes to start invading the vagina. Some Lactobacilli secrete lactic acid, which helps to keep the vagina acidic, and less conducive to Candida colonization.
Also, some Lactobacilli secrete hydrogen peroxide, which helps keep pathogenic bacteria that cause BV, in check naturally as well. The key symptom of BV is a vaginal odor that is either “fishy” or “cheese” smelling.
So, if you seem to have a foul vaginal odor, and you get yeast infections during menses, this could all be due to an improper balance of vaginal bacteria; as the women with BV in this study, were shown to have much less probiotic Lactobacilli bacteria in their vaginas.
Another study also cited tampon use as a possible predisposing factors to vaginal Candidiasis. The study was published in Vojnosanitetski Pregled [67.10 (2010): 819-824]. The study used a group of case women who had three or more episodes of vaginal yeast infections during the past year.
Two control group women (those without recurrent yeast infections) were selected for each case woman; these women had a similar age to their case counterpart. The study found that 20% of women in the case group predominantly used tampons during menstruation in the past year. In the control group, only 7% of the women primarily used tampons during the past year.
The study concluded, that wearing panty liners and using tampons may promote vaginal Candidiasis; especially in women who use over the counter antifungals to treat themselves.
A 1/2 Day & Yeast is Gone!
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Visit Official Site!Estrogen Levels During Your Period
If you don’t seem to get a yeast infection after your period, but during your period, it could be a cause of low estrogen levels. Yeast infections after a period could be the result of estrogen; as this hormone causes the vaginal cells to become richer in the sugar glycogen.
However, estrogen also lowers the pH of the vagina; and, since infections seem to happen during a period mostly, they are likely pH related. This is even more probable if you use tampons.
Thus, since it may not be the excess sugar causing a problem, taking an estrogen supplement to lower vaginal pH may help. Taking an estrogen supplement might be helpful to you; although, this may not be true if you get yeast infections after your period frequently.
The chart below shows you the levels of hormones in women’s bodies during the menstrual cycle. The chart is a compilation of differeing levels of hormones; with the average level depicted as a solid blue line.
High and low levels of hormones are seen by the dashed grey lines. Please note, that chart C shows estraidol, and estradiol is estrogen. So, interpret the estraidol line as the level of estrogen.
A paper, published in the journal Endocrinology in 2005, states the importance of correct estrogen levels in regards to feminine health. The paper related, that a key role of the epithelial cells (cells on the outside walls or surface; often lining an interior surface) of the vagina and cervix, is regulating the pH of these areas.
A high vaginal pH can induce infections in this area; conversely, a low pH helps probiotic bacteria thrive and inhibits the development of microbial pathogens. A lack of estrogen, is correlated with the alkalinization (raising of the pH) of these areas, to a PH of around 6.5 to 7.
Estrogen replacement can help bring the vagina back into pH balance, via acidifying the vagina to a pH of around 5.5.
The conclusion of the study, also stated that estrogen seems to play a catalyzing role—so to speak—in acidifying the vagina. The study stated, that the cells in the part of the cervix that protrudes into the vagina (this section of the cervix is also lined with epithelial cells), acidify the vaginal canal by producing acid.
This process occurs at all times in a woman’s body; however, it can be stimulated via estrogen. Thus, estrogen does play a role in keeping the vagina at an acidic pH.
Eliminate Bacterial Vaginosis & Vaginal Odor
Jennifer O’Brien is one prominent expert on BV that knows how to get rid of vaginal odor. BV is a common infection that you don’t have to put up with.
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Visit Official Site!Antibiotic Use Increases Infection Rate
If you have recently taken antibiotics, this is another factor that greatly elevates your chances for developing a yeast infection. This is a widely known fact, and one study demonstrated this increase in Candidiasis due to antibiotics.
The study was published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine [July-August 2008 vol. 21 no. 4 261-268]. The study’s chart shows 27 women who took antibiotics and 27 women who did not recently take antibiotics. The women who took antibiotics had taken about 3 days worth of oral antibiotics recently.
The women who took antibiotics had many more positive candida cultures at evaluations.
The primary reason why antibiotic use correlates directly with yeast infection incidence, is because antibiotic use kills off friendly, vaginal bacteria. To bring your vaginal microbiota back into balance, you should use some form of probiotic supplement.
Using a probiotic pill is usually a very effective way to do this; because, these pills contain the correct species of bacteria (Lactobacilli). If you do choose to take a probiotic pill, make sure you insert one or two daily into the vagina, in addition to just taking it orally.
This will directly impact your vaginal microbiota. Try inserting the probiotic pill into the vagina at night before you go to bed.
If you have some yogurt, you can inoculate the yogurt with the bacteria in a probiotic supplement. Simply add the probiotic pill to the yogurt and let it set at room temperature for a few hours.
The colony forming units present in the pill will start to spread and multiply in the yogurt. You can then soak a tampon in the yogurt and insert it into your vagina before you go to sleep. This should be a great home remedy you can use to effectively get rid of a yeast infection.
You can check out this article to learn more about probiotic pills: Good Probiotic Yeast Infection Pills.
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Visit Official Site!Douching
If you use a store procured douche product during your period, you may be upsetting the good bacteria in the vagina. This may be a reason why you seem to get a yeast infection during your period.
If you do decide to douche; avoid alkaline, and store product douches. Douching with apple cider vinegar diluted with water, would help to keep the pH acidic, and clean it out at the same time. Just make sure you do not exceed about a 1% concentration of vinegar; as this is all you will need to start killing Candida.
Stronger concentrations of apple cider vinegar can cause irritation or chemical burns to the skin (learn more about using this vinegar here: Apple Cider Vinegar for Yeast Infection). Also, try and insert a probiotic pill into the vagina after you douche, to help keep the good bacteria colonies thriving in your vagina.
A study that looked into how douching is associated with vaginal Candidiasis, was published in the Journal of Epidemiology [20.1 (2010): 70-76]. The study utilized 451 females ages 15 to 49 years who attended various health clinics.
The researchers retrieved information on their douching practices, and performed vaginal examinations. The study found that the frequency of douching was significantly associated with genitourinary symptoms. Such symptoms, were more prevalent in women who douched several times a week up to once daily.
Concerning vaginal yeast infections, douching did seem to predispose women to such infections. The researchers closed by stating their concluding remarks: “Although causality was not definitively established, women should be informed that vaginal douching may carry a risk of vaginal Candidiasis and endanger their reproductive health.”
Despite what a study discovers or states, it may have a mistake or two. This happens rarely; but, does happen. Likewise, studies that do not factor in what women use for a douche may result in a wrong conclusion regarding douching.
As you may have seen, some will claim douching is not good for you. However, this conclusion is likely spurious. The reason for this is that many women use a store bought douche.
These douches contain harmful antimicrobial chemicals. These products disrupt the probiotic life in the vagina, and should be avoided—thus the problem is likely not douching, but what is used as a douche.
Douching is a great way to mechanically remove excess material left over from menses; which Candida may use as a food source. Additionally, using something natural, such as apple cider vinegar mixed with water, as a douche, can acidify the vagina.
Stay away from the hazardous douches you buy at the store; simply save money and get into better health by using water, essential oils, and apple cider vinegar (don’t forget to adequately dilute the vinegar).
A Powerful, 12 Hour Yeast Infection Treatment
According to a research paper published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews [12.1 (1999): 80-96], Candida species are quite ubiquitous organisms. Candida are most frequently present in the mouth; and, live in 31% to 55% of healthy people. The species that causes approximately 70% to 80% of all Candida infections is C. albicans.
The Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [2011 Jul;46(7):496] reports there appears to be a correlation between intestinal Candida infections and vaginal yeast infections. And, this provides a clue, as to why yeast infections in general, can reoccur.
This study states, in 148 cases of vaginal candida infections, 33.1% of the women were infected in both the intestines and vaginal area.
The recurrence rate of yeast infections, in women with simultaneous intestinal infection, was significantly higher than for women who did not have an intestinal infection. This study concluded that vaginal yeast infections are highly associated with simultaneous intestinal Candida infection.
As research appears to indicate, systemic Candida infections can and do happen. A more systemic Candida infection may primarily get a foothold in the intestines; and cause a wide array of problems. If your yeast infections keep happening, a systemic Candida problem may be why.
One woman who suffered from a systemic Candida infection, for about 12 years, was Linda Allen. The systemic Candida infection that attacked Linda caused a wide range of health problems in addition to yeast infections. Some of these problems, Linda describes in her own words in the following quote:
To be honest, it was hard to pinpoint exactly what was wrong: I wasn’t really sick, but I wasn’t really well either. I had listlessness, fatigue, brain fog, stomach ailments, unexplained rashes, skin infections, and so on. It seemed like every day brought a new challenge.
My energy was sapped and I felt exhausted, which affected my grades and put a big dent in my social life.
Linda Allen’s symptoms included an embarrassing vaginal discharge, severe itching, and burning sensations. Her infections were difficult to deal with, and Linda’s health problems cost her financially as well. Linda states these infections of Candida can become excruciating when they happen as frequently as a menstrual period.
Yet, Linda spent a great deal of time in research; and even questioned health professionals who were kind enough to share some time with her. Linda even tried an array of purported "cures." Although it took a while, eventually, Linda put together a natural treatment plan she hoped would solve her Candida situation.
After spending about a year refining her new approach, Linda tried her system on herself. It worked amazingly well. Linda even returned to a few medical doctors to get tested for the presence of infections.
These tests revealed all indicators of infection had vanished! Linda was indeed well again, after such a long, difficult journey.
Linda has since published a book detailing how to copy her success. She also includes a 12 hour yeast infection cure that can get rid of a superficial (such as a genital yeast infection or oral thrush) yeast infection in about 12 hours.
Linda’s publisher protects those who get her book with a 60 day, 100% money back guarantee. Linda’s publisher, a subsidiary of the United States based firm Keynetics Incorporated, is a reputable digital retailer that has been around for a long time. They have great customer service, and make getting a full refund on Linda’s book quick and easy. If you’re not satisfied, you can quickly get all your money back.
If you would like to learn more about Linda’s journey to freedom from Candida, see reviews of others who tried her natural system, or find out more about her efficacious book; you can find more information at Linda Allen’s website.
Author: Mr. Nicholas Gross
Nick Gross is a natural medicine enthusiast who has been researching and writing about natural medicine since 2008. Nick is primarily a web developer but also researches and authors written and video content about natural health. Nick has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Northern Iowa.
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SOURCES:
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2004.03.003 — Efficacy of a novel pH-buffering tampon in preserving the acidic vaginal pH during menstruation. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics [85.3 (2004): 298-300]. PDF Available Here
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/313818 — Eschenbach, David A., et al. "Influence of the normal menstrual cycle on vaginal tissue, discharge, and microflora." Clinical Infectious Diseases 30.6 (2000): 901-907. PubMed, PDF Available Here
- http://dx.doi.org/10.2298/VSP1010819J — Jankovi?, Slobodan, et al. "Risk factors for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis." Vojnosanitetski pregled 67.10 (2010): 819-824. PubMed
- https://dx.doi.org/10.1210%2Fen.2004-1153—George I. Gorodeski, et al.. Estrogen Acidifies Vaginal pH by Up-Regulation of Proton Secretion via the Apical Membrane of Vaginal-Ectocervical Epithelial Cells.Endocrinology. 2005 Feb; 146(2): 816–824. PubMed Full Text
- http://dx.doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2008.04.070169 — Xu, Jinping, et al. "Effect of antibiotics on vulvovaginal candidiasis: a MetroNet study." The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine21.4 (2008): 261-268. PubMed, PDF Available Here
- http://doi.org/10.2188/jea.JE20081046 —Heng, Lon Say, et al. "Vaginal douching in Cambodian women: its prevalence and association with vaginal candidiasis." Journal of Epidemiology 20.1 (2010): 70-76. PubMed Full Text
- https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.12.1.80 -- Fidel, Paul L., Jose A. Vazquez, and Jack D. Sobel. "Candida glabrata: review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical disease with comparison to C. albicans." Clinical Microbiology Reviews [12.1 (1999): 80-96].
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22041440/ -- Lin XL, Li Z, Zuo XL. "Study on the relationship between vaginal and intestinal candida in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis." Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Zhonghua fu chan ke za zhi). [2011 Jul;46(7):496].
