The worst thing about thrush is not the compulsive itching, the stinging or the burning pain. From the many women I have talked to with recurrent or chronic Candida, I'm confident that the worst thing about thrush is a feeling of isolation, loss of self esteem, and the affect it can have on your confidence in intimate relationships.
Thrush is an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast that can inhabit the bowel, vagina and mouth. Candida is opportunistic, which means that it grows and thrives when the balance of normal bacteria has been disrupted.
Things that disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina:
antibiotics
changes in estrogen throughout the menstrual cycle
long term use of medications such as the oral contraceptive pill
pregnancy or perimenopause
antibacterial or perfumed soaps or bath bombs
tight synthetic clothing
sex and types of sexual practices
diets high in sugar or low in nutrients
poor health and a weakened immune system
emotional stress
hygiene practices
Recurrent or chronic thrush
By the time I start to work with a woman experiencing chronic thrush, it can already have caused a devastating effect on her self esteem and confidence around sex. It is not uncommon for me to meet young women of 19 or 20 who have had thrush for 3 or more years without being able to find the help they need. The emotional stress from recurrent thrush can cause a ripple effect in other areas of their lives and often there is often no-one to talk to about it.
I believe that no woman should feel this way and it's why I'd love to assist you to conquer thrush once and forever.
Have you had yeast infections for many years and treated them on and off with anti-fungal medications you buy over the counter at the pharmacy? The treatment that is sold in pharmacies is for treating acute, or one off, bouts of thrush. If you have repeated cycles of Candida, then it's a good idea to look for a holistic solution to your condition.
A naturopathic approach to thrush:
Anti-fungal herbal medicine is a very important step when treating thrush, however it's often only the tip of the iceberg.
My priority when working with thrush is to restore a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria to the vagina. It is normal for Lactobacilli to be the predominant bacterial species in the vagina, so we will initiate steps (including specific probiotics) to restore balance. This process can take time and I usually recommend ongoing support for at least 6 months and sometimes up to 12 months, depending on how long you have been experiencing thrush.
We will track the pattern of thrush in your life and identify the likely contributors or triggers. Changes to lifestyle, hygiene and diet can be an essential part of the healing process, depending on your particular pattern or cycle of thrush.
I will support optimum estrogen levels throughout your menstrual cycle, which often includes supporting healthy liver and bowel function. We may also discuss stress management and immune system support, depending on your individual circumstances and health picture.
I am always very aware that thrush is a condition with emotional and sexual impacts. I love to use Australian bush flower essences as a way to support emotional healing while we improve the everyday symptoms, reduce the itch and restore balance.
If you are experiencing the physical and emotional impacts of thrush, then I hope you will work with me.
Simone
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Hi! I'm Simone Jeffries. I am a naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist and certified wellness coach. I am also a foodie and an advocate for a whole food diet.
I love to support you with hormonal conditions, histamine intolerance and vaginal imbalances.
I welcome clients to consult with me at my clinic in Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and online from anywhere in Australia.
The information in this blog is from my Bachelor of Health Science degree, experience from working with women in my clinic, and continuing research.
This blog is for information only and not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek assistance for any medical concerns.