The hidden link between the gut, hormones & vaginal axis

There’s a direct line of communication between women's guts and vaginal health - the gut-vagina axis- and disruption can impact infections, hormones and autoimmunity.

how women’s guts influence vaginal health

Our gut and vaginal microbiomes are dominated by protective bacteria. Women's guts influences vaginal health via

• Oestrogen metabolism thru the estrobolome

• Immune signalling via mucosal immunity and IgA

• Microbial balance especially after antibiotics, stress, mould exposure

• If our gut is inflamed, leaky, or overrun with pathogens eg candida, parasites

• Immune system dysregulation and autoimmunity caused by chronic gut inflammation

Signs of gut-vagina axis dysfunction are

1. Chronic or recurring thrush, BV, UTIs

2. Vaginal dryness, burning, shifting pH

3. Hormonal issues eg PMS, low libido, irregular cycles

4. Digestive problems or bloating with vaginal symptoms

5. Autoimmune symptoms in vagina or bladder eg lichen sclerosis, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis

6. Persistent reinfection despite antibiotics

The functional health approach to resolution is

1. Heal the gut - Rebalance dysbiocis eg pathogens/infections, candida, SIBO, and repair the gut with bone broth, apple sauce, glutamine, zinc, collagen. Cut inflammatory foods eg sugar, refined carbs, processed seed oils

2. Rebuild the microbiome - Feed good flora with prebiotic fibre from vegetables, PHGG. Use oral probiotics eg lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 & L. reuteri RC-14. Consider targeted vaginal probiotics/suppositories

3. Balance oestrogen and detox pathways - Support the estrobolome eg fibre, DIM, calcium-D-glucarate IF testing indicates. Strengthen liver function and methylation for hormone clearance

4. Support mucosal immunity - Optimise vits A, D, C, zinc. Boost secretory IgA, reduce chronic stress. Avoid douching, endocrine disruptors, synthetic hygiene products