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VAGINAL INFECTIONS Yeast (Candida albicans) is a natural part of a healthy vagina as it helps prevent the growth of bacteria which can cause infections. But if the yeast grows too much, you'll notice a white, cottage-cheese-like accumulation in your underwear as it sloughs off the vaginal walls.Lactobacilli, such as acidophilus are also present in a healthy vagina; they prevent yeast overgrowth. These healthy bacteria are what turn milk into yogurt. Health-promoting forms of bacteria thrive when the vagina is acidic, but when vaginal acidity drops (creating a more alkaline environment) yeasts thrive and can become overgrown. Litmus paper provides an easy way to check your vagina's pH which optimally will be between 4 and 4.5. Yeast overgrowth begins at 5.5, with irritation becoming more evident when the pH reaches 6 or higher, indicating an environment which is more alkaline. As estrogen and progesterone slowly stop stimulating the reproductive tissues, vaginal secretions naturally become less acidic which can contribute to a greater incidence of yeast infections. When the Change is rapid (as in induced menopause via hysterectomy), the upsurge in vaginal yeast can cause incredibly intense itching. When the Change is slower, the lactobacilli have time to adapt to the less acidic environment which minimizes the yeast overgrowth. Women most likely to have recurring yeast infections (vaginal yeast overgrowth) are diabetics who have completed their menopausal transition and those who take frequent rounds of antibiotics or consume a lot of sugar. QUICK TIPS
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