Debloat, Deflate, and Delight
How my Gut Health and Vaginal Health Saved Me in Menopause
What I Learned in Menopause About The Gut-Vagina Axis.
Most of us women have heard of the gut microbiome and the trillions of bacteria that live in your digestive tract and help regulate digestion, immunity, and even mood.
But did you know that your vaginal microbiome is closely connected to your gut microbiome?
This powerful link is called the gut-vagina axis and understanding it can help you maintain optimal vaginal health, especially during perimenopause and menopause.
I learned this firsthand as I navigated some unexpected changes during my own menopausal transition.
Since I have entered the stage of post-menopause, as many women before me, I have suffered some dryness.
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).
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 too 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.
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 dysbiosis (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, soothing, pH, balanced, lubricant when needed (Like aloe vera gel).
Hydrate hydrate hydrate! H2O + magnesium + sodium + potassium, the electrolyte elixir
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.
My vaginal health has completely transformed: no odor, no discomfort, no dryness. I almost feel like I did in my twenties. And thank God for that!