YEAST: Candida Overgrowth and the Vaginal Microbiome
Candida is a naturally occurring yeast that lives in the body, primarily in the gut, mouth, and vaginal tract. In a healthy microbiome, it plays a relatively harmless role. But under the right conditions, it can overgrow and lead to a range of symptoms that impact gut health, hormones, immunity, and especially vaginal balance.
For women, one of the most frustrating symptoms of candida overgrowth is recurrent yeast infections or chronic vaginal discomfort. But here’s the thing: vaginal symptoms often reflect what’s going on deeper in the gut. That’s because the gut and vaginal microbiomes are connected by the immune system and the lymphatic system. So if the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, the vaginal ecosystem is often affected, too.
Common contributors to candida overgrowth include:
Frequent antibiotic use
Long-term hormonal birth control use
High-sugar or refined carbohydrate diets
Poor gut motility and digestion
Mold exposure or high environmental toxins
Immune suppression (including from chronic illness or breast implants)
It’s all connected!!
Candida can also release toxins that impair liver function and interfere with estrogen metabolism, potentially worsening PMS or hormonal acne.
A functional approach to addressing candida includes:
Removing overgrowth triggers (sugar, processed carbs, and food sensitivities)
Rebalancing the gut using targeted antifungal herbs and probiotics
Supporting the liver and lymphatic drainage to safely eliminate yeast byproducts
Repairing the gut lining and restoring healthy immunity in both the gut and vaginal microbiomes
Lab testing can help confirm overgrowth, but many women benefit from a root-cause based protocol even without formal diagnosis. If you’ve been struggling with chronic yeast issues, fatigue, brain fog, or digestive symptoms, it may be worth exploring what role candida is playing in your overall health.
Need some help with treatment? Let’s chat!! I offer free consultations so we can talk all things gut!!
Pss. Doctors are only gonna give you antibiotics, which perpetuate the cycle BTW.
