“This one is for the ladies,” says Gray’s Pharmacy owner and pharmacist Michelle Gray. “As we continue our deep dive into hormone health, it’s important that we also look at how hormones affect vaginal health and help prevent common issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections and other vaginal health concerns.”
Broaching the topic with your pharmacist can understandably be uncomfortable for many women, however, Michelle emphasizes that it's just as important as other aspects of your health. Understanding how hormones change as we age – and how those changes affect our body’s natural pH levels – can help reverse or prevent uncomfortable issues, she notes.
“A normal vaginal pH level is between 3.5 and 4.5, which is quite acidic. When that baseline pH level shifts up or down, it can result in a wide variety of problems for women,” Michelle says. “These changes can happen for many reasons, including as part of peri-menopause and menopause, and can lead to UTIs, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and other uncomfortable conditions. The good news is there are simple steps women of all ages can take to keep things balanced and healthy throughout all stages of their lives."
Better gut health can improve vaginal health
Did you know the health of your gut directly affects your vaginal health? “Your gut microbiome and vaginal microbiome are closely linked, and disruptions in one can impact the other,” Michelle explains. A balanced gut helps maintain healthy vaginal pH levels, reducing the risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
Food intolerances can also play a significant role in disrupting the natural balance of your gut and vaginal biome. When your body struggles to properly digest certain foods – such as gluten, dairy, or sugar – it can lead to inflammation and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast in the gut. This imbalance may negatively affect the vaginal microbiome, increasing the risk of infections and discomfort.
To support gut health:
- Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir and fermented vegetables into your diet.
- Stay hydrated and eat plenty of fibre-rich fruits and vegetables to encourage a thriving gut microbiome.
- Consider a vaginal or oral probiotic supplement specifically designed to promote balance in the vaginal area. Michelle suggests Metagenics UltraFlora Women's Probiotic, designed specifically to support vaginal health.
“By caring for your gut and addressing potential food intolerances, you’re helping to establish a solid foundation for both your overall and vaginal health,” Michelle says.
Decrease stress levels
Stress not only impacts your mood but can also throw your hormones – and vaginal health – off balance. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, which disrupts hormone production and weakens the immune system, increasing the likelihood of infections.
To manage stress:
- Practise mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing or yoga.
- Ensure you get adequate sleep to support hormone regulation.
- Engage in relaxing activities such as reading, walking or spending time with loved ones.
“Lowering your stress levels can positively impact both your hormonal balance and your body’s ability to maintain a healthy pH level,” Michelle says.
Treat hormonal imbalances
As women age, hormonal changes – particularly during peri-menopause and menopause – can significantly affect vaginal health. Declining estrogen levels, for instance, can lead to vaginal dryness and changes in pH, increasing the likelihood of infections.
To address hormonal imbalances:
- Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about hormone therapy options. Low-dose estrogen therapy, whether in the form of creams, patches, or tablets can help restore balance and alleviate symptoms. Michelle also adds that sometimes testosterone, progesterone, oxytocin and DHEA can be beneficial hormones to include as well. "Each hormone in our bodies plays a unique role in not only our vaginal health but our overall health, the best way to assess which hormones are needing to be reintroduced is through hormone testing which you can request through the pharmacy, by making an appointment."
- Support your body with hormone-friendly nutrients, like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Maintain regular physical activity to help balance your hormones naturally.
“Women experiencing chronic urinary tract infections, yeast infections and other vaginal health concerns don’t need to suffer in silence. Even your ability or inability to enjoy intercourse is a valid health concern that you should feel comfortable discussing with your health-care professionals, including your pharmacist,” Michelle says.
“Often, there are simple solutions to help reduce the risk of reinfection. For example, those with chronic UTIs can start including a high dose of vitamin C, probiotics and d-mannose in their daily routine and see benefits quickly. Additionally, understanding how autoimmune conditions like lichen planus and lichen sclerosis directly affect the vaginal canal is important. While these conditions can cause complications, there are ways to reduce the risk of flare-ups. Your pharmacist can only help you navigate these solutions if we know about them.”
Visit Gray’s Compounding Pharmacy at 417B 304th St. on Highway 95, Kimberley (on the strip in Marysville), Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Get in touch at 250-427-0038 or at facebook.com/grayspharmacy. Free shipping is available in the B.C. for your compounds, along with free weekly prescription delivery to Cranbrook and Kimberley.
Read more from Gray's Compounding Pharmacy:
Part 1: The story of progesterone