Yeast Infections In Menopause
calling all healthcare professionals please?
Other than menopause, what could cause the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level to start going down in a woman in her late 30′s? Can infections cause that to happen, such as a yeast infection or something else?
OK, a low FSH is actually evidence that your ovaries are working well–FSH and estrogen are in a feedback loop with each other. The pituitary produces FSH in order to stimulate the ovaries to produce a follicle. As the follicle grows, it produces estrogen, and the pituitary decreases production of FSH in reaction to the increased estrogen. So is your problem that your FSH level is going down, or going up?
With menopause, the body stops making follicles, so there’s less estrogen in your body, and your FSH levels shoot up really high.
If you are in your late 30s, your FSH level could start to go up higher because your ovaries aren’t working as well as they used to–fertility starts to drop at about age 27. So your ovaries need more stimulation from FSH to work properly. It doesn’t mean you’re menopausal, necessarily, but you could be perimenopausal, meaning you are experiencing changes as long as 10 years before actual menopause, when your hormones will fluctuate wildly.
There’s also a condition called premature ovarian failure (POF) when your ovaries just stop working. You can expect FSH to go up really high, like over 50, if that is the case.
Now, if your FSH is low, but your ovaries aren’t working, that is likely due to either a problem with your pituitary (it’s just not making enough for some reason) or possibly because you are taking birth control pills, and the estrogen in them is keeping your FSH low.
A yeast infection will not impact your FSH level. However, problems with your FSH level could CAUSE a yeast infection indirectly, because your estrogen will be interfered with and that changes the vaginal flora, causing yeast overgrowth.
|
|
Beyond Medicine – Episode 17 $19.95 Barbara Sheridan’s constant battle with the symptoms of peri-menopause was taking its tool, until she discovered that the change of life needed a change in lifestyle. Host Judi Phillips explores how to balance your diet through… |
|
|
Liquid Silk Personal Lubricant – 250 ml $11.20 Liquid Silk personal lubricant feels silky to the touch, doesn’t get sticky, and moisturizes your skin. Water-based and without glycerin, it will not promote or feed a yeast infection. This is an excellent choice for women who are experiencing vaginal dryness due to breastfeeding or menopause, as it moisturizes the tissues as well as lubricates them. Some people can taste a faint bitter taste othe… |
