Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones play a role in yeast infections. One of the most common times women experience a vaginal yeast infection is when their bodies undergo hormonal changes near the menstrual cycle. During this time, estrogen levels can be higher than normal, and there can be an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone. This imbalance can cause moisture and warmth in the vagina, creating a good yeast environment.
The yeast infection is a result of an imbalance of the vaginal flora. Vaginal flora refers to the balance of microorganisms that live in the vagina. According to WebMD, two types of bacteria normally live in the vagina: lactobacillus, which makes lactic acid and keeps the vaginal pH low (which helps prevent infections), and Gardnerella vaginalis, which causes bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is associated with increased vaginal discharge, fishy odor, and itching.
When a woman is close to her period, her estrogen levels decrease, progesterone levels increase, and lactic acid decreases, causing the pH level of her vagina to increase from about 3.8 or 4.4 (healthy) to around 5.0 or 6.0. This change in pH level allows yeast to grow since they thrive in more alkaline environments.
