This problem can be incredibly frustrating and many patients are told they’re simply “prone” to these infections. But as a functional medicine doctor who specializes in women’s health, I give my patients actionable steps they can take to help prevent these infections from occurring, as well as explain why they might be happening in the first place. So what are common causes of yeast infections? Yeast tends to proliferate when your blood sugar increases, your pH changes, or when there is a change in the microbiome (aka the good bacteria in your body decrease and yeast is able to take over). These changes are often enough to put a halt to the itching and yeast infections that can come with your monthly cycle. But if it is not, make sure to visit your doctor. He or she can examine you and determine if an antifungal medication is necessary to break this uncomfortable cycle. Boham lives in Valatie, NY, and lectures on a variety of topics, including women’s health and breast cancer prevention, insulin resistance, heart health, weight control, and allergies. She is on the faculty of the Institute for Functional Medicine.
