We explore the five key factors beyond hormone imbalance that can cause vaginal irritation, infection, and microbiome disruptions that many women experience without clear explanations. This mini-episode provides practical detection strategies and solutions for identifying your specific triggers, with special focus on maintaining vaginal health while traveling.
• Blood sugar spikes provide food for yeast and other microbes, especially when consuming sugar without protein, fiber or fat
• Gut health imbalances and antibiotic use disturb both digestive and vaginal microbiomes
• Estrogen levels affect glycogen availability and infection susceptibility when too high or too low
• Vaginal pH can be disrupted by menstrual products, soaps, fragrances, menstrual blood, and semen
• Compromised immune function from stress or illness decreases your body's ability to maintain microbiome balance
• Choose breathable cotton underwear and appropriate menstrual products when traveling
• Plan ahead for proper sleep, hydration, and nutrition when traveling to maintain immune function
• Prepare protein and fat-forward snacks to stabilize blood sugar during trips
Future you is going to love yourself for planning ahead, and you will feel so much better throughout the day, energy-wise, plus hopefully you won't have as much irritation.
