Recurrent Vaginal Infections Around Your Period? Here’s Why

The timing of recurrent vaginal infections can tell us so much about the nature of the infection, and your individual drivers. Recurrent vaginal infections around your period can be related to two primary factors: hormonal fluctuations and menstruation.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Our hormones fluctuate throughout our cycle, which can have a direct impact on vaginal pH.

Oestrogen levels increase before ovulation, resulting in a more alkaline cervical mucous which can allow bacteria to proliferate.

Lactobacillus levels also fluctuate in response to hormones - we see lower levels of lactobacillus at low oestrogen points of the cycle, and higher lactobacillus at high oestrogen points.

Menstruation

The shift in pH leading up to and during menstruation, alongside the hormonal fluctuations can result in an environment that is more conducive to opportunistic bacteria.

What Can I Do?

If you experience a monthly flare of vaginal symptoms, utilising preventative measures such as intra-vaginal probiotics, vaginal irrigations and boric acid in the lead up to your period can provide relief.

Identifying and addressing the factors contributing to symptom flares is also important to support vaginal microbiome health - hormone modulation, immune support, nervous system support, gut health, diet & lifestyle factors.