The Importance of Vaginal Microbiome Health

Written by Dr Elena Bacash, Chiropractor

The vaginal microbiome changes over the decades from birth to toddlers to adolescence, reproductive age, then menopause.

Through these changes it is lactobacillus species that tend to dominate. There are many other microbes, but the lactobacillus species are the dominant microbes in the normal vaginal microbiome.

If the vaginal microbiome is disrupted it will affect the gastrointestinal microbiome and the urinary tract microbiome (the bladder is not sterile as previously thought!)

A disrupted vaginal microbiome can occur for a variety of reasons including antibiotic courses, smoking, stress, sexual activity, sexually transmitted diseases, loss of estrogen in menopause and this can lead to the following:

 

Vaginal Microbiome Disrupted

• Infertility

• Miscarriage

• Premature Delivery

• Endometriosis, PID

• Recurrent vaginitis

• Candida / E.Coli

• More menstrual symptoms

• More UTIs

• More menopausal

• Loss of libido

• Vaginal dryness, irritation, discharge, dyspareunia

• Gastrointestinal Dysbiosis

• Accelerating age

• Dysphoria – anger, hate, selfishness

• Increased abdominal visceral fat

• Insulin Resistance

• Cancers

 

The 3 most important lactobacillus species for vaginal health and overall health are:

Lactobacillus crispatus

Lactobacillus gasseri

Lactobacillus reuteri

 

Lactobacillus Crispatus

This is the main lactobacillus species. The pH of the vagina is acidic and it produces lactic acid  - the pH is 3.5-4.5. It discourages pathogens such Gardenerella, Prevotella, and E. coli. In order to cultivate l.crispatus you also need vitamin D.

 

Lactobacillus Reuteri

L. reuteri colonises the GI tract from mouth to anus. It tells the brain via the vagus nerve to release oxytocin (love hormone) which is important for reproductive health, libido, breastfeeding and to mitigate against post natal depression.

L reuteri also helps to restore the vaginal lining in menopausal women and has a role to play in the following:

 

• Increases fertility

• Reduces symptoms of PCOS

• Reduces Abdominal Visceral Fat

• Reduces insulin resistance

  • Lowers risk of heart disease and dementia

 

Lactobacillus Gasseri

L. gasseri produces lactic acid and keeps the vaginal pH 3.5-4.5. It also produces bacteriocins  and can help to lower menopausal symptoms.

 

L. Reuteri + L. Gasseri

• Great for SIBO

• Hydrogen gas in breath

• Reduces endotoxemia

• Reduces risk of premature delivery

• Reduces menstrual emotional psychological  symptoms

The vaginal microbiome is complex. This article includes a snapshot of some of the more significant lactobacillus species, but it is important to note that there are other microbes and species that are also helpful for overall vaginal microbiome health.

 

For more information see the Super Gut book – by William Davis MD or his website williamdavisMD.com or functionalmedicineuniversity.com