In today's episode, we delve into the important topic of vaginal health and genitourinary symptoms, especially as we age and experience changes in our hormone levels.
If you're experiencing symptoms like burning, pain, irritation, itching, bladder urgency or leaking, recurrent UTIs, painful sex, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, increased yeast infections, or other vaginal discomfort, this episode is a must-listen!
Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:
1️⃣ Vaginal Microbiome:
The vaginal microbiome is dominated by Lactobacillus species, which keeps the pH optimal at about 4 to 4.5. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining this bacterial balance and acidic pH, so as estrogen levels decrease with age, the vaginal ecosystem can change, leading to various symptoms.
2️⃣ Assessing Vaginal Health:
Monitoring vaginal pH is an essential way to assess vaginal health. Optimal pH ranges from 3.5 to 4.5, and pH test strips can be purchased to monitor it. Additionally, vaginal cultures can provide insights into the microbiome composition and guide personalized treatment plans.
3️⃣ Hormone Therapy:
If hormonal imbalances are contributing to vaginal health issues, hormone therapy may be necessary. Estrogen replacement, either systemically or topically, can help maintain vaginal lining thickness, moisture, and elasticity. DHEA, a hormone specifically beneficial for the vagina, can also support vaginal lubrication and reduce symptoms of vaginal atrophy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing vaginal health symptoms, don't miss this informative episode. Remember to share it with anyone who can benefit from understanding their hormonal health and finding solutions for vaginal well-being.
Mentioned in this episode:
MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore
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Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC and women's health and hormone expert. After serving hundreds of women in my signature program, The Hormone Balance Solution, I bring to you, the HBS Podcast.
This podcast is all about educating women, and giving them actionable strategies for supporting hormonal harmony. It's my passion to empower women to take back their health and their happiness. We'll cover gut health, mineral balancing, nutrient deficiencies, cellular health, nervous system health, functional testing, and so much more. No Fluff. No BS. Just everything you need to know and nothing you don't.
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