Susan E. Mead, M.H.
Incorporated
Medical Herbalist

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Premenopause/Menopause Symptoms

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

• Keep a food diary for 7-10 days and note each time you consume any type of sugar which is the greatest food contributor to yeast overgrowth. Yeast products such as bread are a problem, too.
• Drink 3-4 quarts of water each day, preferably chlorine- and fluoride-free.
• If you are having repeated yeast infections, your partner needs to be treated, too. If it's a man, the simplest way is to keep a squirt bottle in the shower which contains water and 1-2 T. distilled white vinegar. Ask him to squirt this mixture onto his genital area at the end of each shower.
• Calendula is one of my favorite herbs to use against recurring yeast infections.

For more specific suggestions and dosages consider a phone consultation with Ms. Mead, click here for more information on herbal consultations and to contact Ms. Mead.

For more specific suggestions and dosages consider an herbal phone consultation with Ms. Mead, click here for more information on herbal consultations and to contact Ms. Mead.

Click below to get more information on other premenopause symptoms:

The Path to Better Living

You have already taken the first step on your journey.  I work directly with you to uncover the sources of your body's imbalance and create remedies to restore, rejuvenate, and heal.

1. We'll begin by filling out your Health History Form, to determine the best approach for your personal needs.  Download a PDF file of the form here.  If you do not have downloading capabilities, contact me and I will mail it to you promptly. 
    

2. Once you have filled out the appropriate information, send me the form, via email or snail mail, along with a recent photograph of yourself. 
    

3. We will next engage in a one-on-one private consultation, either in person or over the phone, where I can pinpoint the right herbal remedies and lifestyle changes for you.  For pricing, see my Herbal Consultations page.
    

4. I then create for you a customized health plan which will include suggestions for diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that will work in conjunction with a specially formulated herbal remedy that I design to target your personal needs.  Potential herb/drug interactions are taken into consideration.
    

5. Many patients begin treatment with one pound of dried herbs selected from my personal pharmacy, which you will enjoy as a strong tea known as an herbal infusion.  But most remedies are supplied in tincture form, with only a teaspoon or two per day needed to make it easy for you.
    

6. Approximately 80-85% of clients start seeing positive results within 2-4 weeks, often in just a few days.
    

7. I will continue to communicate with you via phone or email consultations, and we will work together to help you re-create the strongest, healthiest body possible.  In the case of chronic ailments, you may need to allow one month of treatment for each year you have had the problem. But you should see at least a 10% improvement in the first few weeks.

Begin Your Journey Now

Contact me or download the Health History Form now so we can move on to the next step to making you feel better, mind, body, and soul. 

To your health,

Susan E. Mead, M.H.

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