1BChapter 2 – All About Candida Yeast Infection 24
Hormonal Imbalance
The friendly bacteria in the gut need a balance between estrogen and progesterone and an adequate amount of both for its support. When there is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone due to birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy or even before your menstrual period, it can interfere with the intestinal flora, thus allowing Candida yeast infection to take control and multiply.
Conditions that trigger hormonal swings, such as puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, PMS and the use of oral contraceptives create a favorable environment for Candidiasis. Females are more susceptible than males because female hormone levels, due to several reasons, are constantly fluctuating. Sustained high levels of estrogen, for example, can compromise the immune system function. Candida overgrowth is also stimulated by the female hormone progesterone, which is at elevated levels during pregnancy.
This is one of the reasons why many women often experience vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy and menstruation. During this time, the body goes through many hormonal fluctuations accompanied by changes in the vaginal acidity( pH levels), which could both contribute to Candida overgrowth.
Copyright 2004- 2013 Linda Allen – Yeast Infection No More Page 24