Menopause, Yeast Infections and Treatment

Caused by an overgrowth of candida albicans, a fungus, yeast infections are the most common of all vaginal infections. Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted and are often caused by menopause. Of all vaginal infections, yeast infections are one of the main symptoms of menopause, caused by the fluctuating hormones leading to bacteria in the vagina going out of control. Baths, excess moisture in the vagina, or damp or tight clothes may lead to yeast infections. The signs of yeast infection during menopause, as well as otherwise, are: inflammation, continued itching and irritation, pain during intercourse, frequent urination, and a thick, white discharge from your vagina.

With the drop of estrogen levels during menopause, the walls of your vagina become thinner and weak. During intercourse, the walls become irritated, leaving tiny scars and scratches, enabling bacteria to thrive. Higher levels of estrogen, due to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also increase the chance of yeast infections. Damp and moist vagina, due to increased vaginal discharge caused by higher levels of estrogen, is a great breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.

Menopause, Yeast Infections and Treatment

Yeast infections can be treated by OTC (Over-The-Counter) medication in the form of creams and suppositories. Before using these medications, it is always advisable to have a proper diagnosis of yeast infections. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, and other types of vaginal infections have symptoms similar to yeast infections. This makes it imperative to confirm that you actually have yeast infection before starting medication. Although creams and suppositories are sold as OTC medications, you will need prescription for oral medicines.

Before resorting to strong medications, you could try the following alternate treatments for yeast infections:

  • Tea Tree Oil: Seek professional advice before trying this treatment. Tea tree oil suppositories kill yeast infections present in the vagina.
  • Yogurt: Many women suffering from yeast infections apply un-pasteurized yogurt, which contains lactobacillus acidophilus or ‘good’ bacteria, directly into the vagina. You could use a small spoon, a spatula or an old vaginal cream applicator, to apply yogurt at night for three to seven nights to restore the balance of bacteria in your vagina. You may need to put on a sanitary pad to avoid messiness.

Avoiding Yeast Infections

Yeast infections, unfortunately, tend to recur. To prevent recurrence, or to prevent having it in the first place, you could try the following:

  • During shower, wash the vaginal area to keep it clean, and completely dry it before dressing.
  • Cotton panties and pantyhose with a cotton crotch are preferable.
  • Do not share towels.
  • Undergarments should be washed in hot water and avoid using softeners.
  • After a swim or a workout, change your clothes immediately.
  • Do not use scented sanitary pads or tampons, and frequently change them.
  • Avoid douching, using heavily scented soaps, perfumes and talcum powders.
  • During sex, ensure your vagina is well lubricated, and use water-soluble lubricating jells.
  • It is better to avoid sex, if it is painful.
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Comments 11
  1. After not having a yeast infection in well over 10 years, I have been plagued with yeast for more than a month now. Even the seven day treatment prescribed by my doctor has not offered any relief. Being diagnosed as borderline menopause, I found this article very informative.

  2. I have not had a yeast infection in years and now have had 3 in 3 months, I am in menopause and the OTC suppositories have cleared them up but they come back weeks later… It is nice (NOT REALLY) to know it is another wonderful side effect of menopause!

  3. I have been skipping periods and I'm 45. I have also been getting a yeast infection every month without fail. I have the same partner for yrs and I have been tested for stds. Negative. Is this a sign of menopause and also how long does it last?

  4. Never had yeast infections in my life until I was well into menopause. Its every 3 months lately. No fun, but so nice to see this info… was getting worried something wasn’t normal. I figured it was a hormonal thing.

  5. Hello, I was looking for an article about yeast infection-perimenopause. 2 years ago, I started to have yeast infection, I cleared it up with natural medicine (probiotic and douche half half hydrogen peroxide/water), after some time, I tried the same combination, it failed. Now I note that I come back a lot, maybe I just have it in control. Started to think that maybe it's hormonal some months ago, because I have some other symptom of hormonal imbalance. I started one year ago to take sometimes Greek yogurt plain, among all the things that I took, it's that which helps me more. I can eat a big spoon per day (well not every day).

    Thanks for this article, because few articles talk about the link between hormonal imbalance and yeast infection. Even an article that you can find at the top list when you do a search deny the relationship between the two.

    There are two years that I’m listening to my body without medication, and I don't need any scientist to tell me that there is no link. There is a strong link between hormone and yeast infection.

  6. 🙂 Oh my word?! Thank heavens for your well received info on the “link” as it were?! I am 55 now and as it is?! I am still suffering with the dreaded “hot flashes” ~ BUT!! ~ Was Horrified the other day, when out of the blue? I discovered that I am suddenly plagued with every woman’s worst nightmare?! Yeast infections!! :/ Geeeezz, I feel Soooooo much better for discovering your latest info! At the very least? I’m clearly not alone in this troublesome journey! May us ladies “bite the bullet” as we attempt to navigate through these bothersome years! Much luv to all! 🙂

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