Female Microbiome Report.
Have you heard the saying “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”… ladies, do you feel that this describes your Vajayjay health journey?
Do you still experience burn, itch, pain, tenderness, even though you have been prescribed antibiotics and or antifungals, but still end up those annoying sensations? Those sensations that lead you to feel a little insane!
Other symptoms that may or may not be present include brain fog, fatigue, general aches and pains, low mood, or persistent abdominal bloating and gas.
Did you know that just like the intestinal microbiome which has its own unique ecosystem, that can become dysbiotic (out of balance), so too does the vagina. With its own unique ecosystem protecting the vaginal epithelium and mucosal membrane, when this ecosystem becomes dysbiotic, it can lead to epithelial damage, resulting in pain, inflammation, itch, dryness as well as other vaginal health issues.
Usually blamed on BV, candida or e-coli, there are actually a number of other reasons this list of symptoms can occur, which is why the same treatment over and over again, may be a clue that there is more to consider!
In clinic I regularly use for girls and women of many ages (usually from age 8 up), the vaginal microbiome test, to understand what is going on for the vaginal ecosystem, that may be leading to these symptoms.
Within the report, the first point that I look at is the diversity of the microbiome. Does this female have enough of the specific and beneficial lactobacilli strains needed for healthy vaginal epithelial? In a healthy amount, these strains produce lactic acid which is needed to promote healthy vaginal mucosa, as well as the optimal pH – which is acidic -. If any data presents here, the follow up questions would be around vitamin D deficiency, Zinc deficiency, fibre intake, as well as oestrogen balance. Plus, to consider the phase of life that the female is in.
Number 2 is looking at any specific pathogenic involvement, for example candida or bacterial vaginosis markers.
Number 3 is then looking to see what other bacterial makers may be involved. Streptococcus, Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Enterococcus faecalis are just some of the opportunistic bacteria that may possibly be causing an issue for the female.
It is possible that changing the type of medication to one that is more specific to killing said specific bacteria could still be helpful. But if data shows low beneficial bacteria, it makes sense to look at the long-term approach of how to support improving the diversity. In clinic I use a Naturopathic approach to support female microbiome, but will sometimes suggest you see your GP or Gynae if anything specific comes up.
It is also important to consider intestinal microbiome diversity, as the Gut-Vagina microbiome connection is so close in its proximity, that one ecosystem may be involved in the other.
As well possible nutrient deficiencies. And to consider issues with consuming fibre.
The female microbiome is a critical element in supporting overall women’s health, but to understand the intricate balance of this microbial ecosystem, it is worthwhile investing in the Vaginal Microbiome Report. This simple at home vaginal swab, is sent to Australia for analysis and can offer a clear plan or pathway to get on top of those insanity driven symptoms.
This coupled with checking vitamin D and zinc status is a great starting point to the vaginal microbiome health journey, and one which I have seen many females benefit from.
Want to know more?
Make sure to reach out!
Claudia Oxford-Gonzalez Clinical Nutritionist DipNut GradCert. HPN
The vaginal microbiome report, is not intended to diagnose any specific health conditions. It is always important to rule out any other significant disease concerns when it comes to female health, so please talk to your Gynaecologist or GP if you have any deeper health concerns.