Yeast Infections During Menopause - A Very Itchy Subject!

Dear Menopause Friends,

Did you know that one of the first signs that you may be entering your Perimenopause will be vaginal changes? Some women will experience the dreaded changes to their vagina even before they start with irregular periods and hot flashes! Yes, I am talking here about vaginal dryness and infections.

When the hormones estrogen and progesterone start to diminish, it has a direct influence on the vagina. The vagina becomes thin and less flexible and the natural secretions start to dwindle , causing vaginal dryness and susceptibility to vaginal infections. One of the most common vaginal infections is candida albicans, better known as a yeast infection.

Oh, those nasty yeast infections! The white itchy discharge that makes you forget about everything else but the itching and soreness "down there"! Disrupting what little sleep you were going to get during the night! Many women will know exactly what that means.

Although yeast infections are very common among women, it is still a subject that women don't really want to discuss with anyone. Many feel that there is a stigma to any vaginal infection and that they are doing something wrong personally. It can't be further from the truth! Yeast is present in every woman's vagina, but it is the overgrowth of the yeast under certain circumstances that will cause a full blown infection, which will need some treatment.

If yeast infections are not properly controlled it may become resistant to the regular over the counter products, and may even become chronic. So the best way to handle it is through prevention and timely treatment.

The symptoms of a yeast infection include:

• A watery discharge that is very itchy, and which turns into a thick, odourless white discharge that resembles the curds of cottage cheese.


• Swelling and inflammation of the vulva ( the external genitalia) which becomes very sore and irritated.


• Painful intercourse.


• Burning and painful urination.

Not a pretty picture. As many as 75% of women will experience a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime.

To read more on how to treat and prevent yeast infections you can read my article "Yeast Infections During Menopause - A Very Itchy Subject!"

It is also very important to know when not to treat yourself but go to the doctor right away!

So , until next time I wish you a happy Menopause!

Christa Muller