Debloat, Deflate, and be Delighted

How Caring for my Gut and Vaginal Health Saved Me in Menopause

Most of us women have heard of the gut microbiome and the trillions of bacteria that live in your digestive tract that help regulate digestion, immunity, and even mood. Please regulate my mood!

But did you know that your vaginal microbiome is closely connected to your gut microbiome?

For me, it started as an ache…the kind of discomfort you feel when you’re about to get a urinary tract infection.

I tried soothing the area with aloe vera gel, and I felt immediate relief, but I knew the root issue was deeper. I could tell that sometimes, during intimacy, I was very well-lubricated. Other times I wasn’t at all and it had nothing to do with my feelings or my partner.

I finally addressed this with my gynecologist here in Milan, and she prescribed me probiotic vaginal suppositories. At first, I forgot to take them regularly, but when the dryness and discomfort became too much, I committed to the treatment and I am beyond happy.

Lets adress the not so talked about Gut-Vagina Axis.

This powerful link called the gut-vagina axis is understanding that it can help you maintain optimal vaginal health, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

I learned this firsthand while experiencing some unexpected changes of my own during my menopausal transition.

Since I have entered the stage of post-menopause, as have many women before me, I have suffered some dryness and irritation because of it. So let’s jump into it because relief is needed now.

What is the gut-vagina axis?

The gut and vagina may seem like because they are separate parts of the body they couldn’t work together but indeed they share an intimate relationship through a few key mechanisms:

• The gut acts as a reservoir for bacteria that can migrate to the vaginal area (via the perineum or bloodstream ie: sexual activities can exasperate this especially without a condom).

• A healthy gut microbiome makes it easier to maintain a vaginal environment rich in protective Lactobacillus bacteria, which keep the vagina acidic (low pH), lubricated, odor-free, and overall delicious.

• When gut dysbiosis occurs (an imbalance of “good” vs “bad” bacteria), it can promote vaginal dysbiosis leading to dryness, infections, odor, or overall discomfort.

How to support the gut-vagina axis:

Here’s the good news: you can care for your vaginal health from both directions by improving your gut microbiome and supporting the vaginal environment directly working in harmony.

Gut health tips:

• Eat fermented foods regularly (kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi).

• Include fiber-rich foods (vegetables, chia seeds, flaxseed).

• Reduce excess refined carbs and sugar as these can promote unwanted imbalance (note that I say reduce because Mamma needs her Champagne).

Vagina care tips:

• Consider vaginal probiotics suppositories, if advised by your doctor, especially during menopause.

• Use a soothing pH balanced lubricant when needed (the best for me are with aloe vera gel).

• Hydrate hydrate hydrate! H2O + magnesium + sodium + potassium, the electrolyte elixir.

My vaginal health has completely transformed after taking these necessary steps, no odor, no discomfort, no dryness. At times I almost feel like I did in my twenties. And thank God for that!

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