I've been having recurrent yeast infections every month for the past six months; and have now developed a bladder infection too.  I never had a problem with this in my life until recently.  I know I've started in perimenopause and believe this is my problem, since I've dealt with skin changes, some urinary incontinence and such.  I "made" my doctor prescribe Estrace (estradiol cream) for me, since that helped some of my female co-workers but I'm still having problems.  Since I'm not actually menopausal, my doctor said not to insert the cream, but just rub a gram on topically in the vaginal area twice a week.  I've read that Estriol seems to work better and is readily absorbed.  Any opinions or ideas?

Hi, Abby!  I hope you've resolved this problem, but if you haven't please go back to the doctor, or see another doctor, and get a new prescription.  Your problem is estrogen, or lack of it, and you need more than what's in estrace applied twice a week.  Take care.  Ingrid

I've been (apparently) yeast infection and urinary tract infection free for 2 months now!!!  I feel like I've crossed a milestone!  With extra vitamins and the new estrogen cream -- I'm doing very well.

I KNEW my problems were estrogen related.  I would get yeast and/or bladder infections three days before my period was due.  I went back to my doctor and had him prescribe estriol in a cream base; which I then had made up at the Women's International Pharmacy.  He had originally given me Estrace, with estradiol in it and it burned my tissues.  Estriol targets the mucous membranes, so I put some cream on the outside of my vaginal canal and occasionally a slight bit at the vaginal opening.  I get immediate relief from any itching I might have.

During the week before my period, I might utilize the cream three times a day, and during the rest of the month maybe twice a week.

My vitamin regime consists of:

Morning:  

Multivitamin, 1300 mg Evening Primrose oil, oregano oil capsule(for stomach and intestinal health), 2 or 3 cranberry pills, AZO (homeopathic) Yeast pills, glucosamine and chondroitin (for joint health).

Lunch:

1000 mg time release vitamin C 1 or 2 cranberry pill(s)

After dinner/evening:

Swanson vitamins Magna Pac (consisting of soy isoflavones, borage oil, 1000 mg Vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, black cohash, dong quai, and licorice root) 2 cranberry pills 1000 mg calcium

If I feel like I might be getting a bladder or yeast infection.  I take the AZO yeast pills which contain Lactobacillus three times a day, and up my cranberry pill intake.

I may feel some tingling in my bladder and dryness and irritation in the vaginal canal; so I'm not feeling completely "normal" per se; but I have been able to deal with my symptoms and keep them from getting worse with my regimen.

I've heard a lot about D-Mannose for urinary tract health.  I've purchased it, but haven't used it as yet.

(Edited by AbbyNormal at 6:25 pm on Aug. 1, 2003)

Those cranberry pills are amazing.  I used to drink a ton of cranberry juice at the first sign of bladder irritation, with all the calories and sugar.  Now, you can just pop a pill...truly wonderful.

Though prone to UTI's when sexually active, I had been free of them for over 8 years, until heavy perimeno symptoms hit me 2 months ago. Then, whammo, right out of the blue last week urethral dryness and irritation led to a UTI and I'm on Bactrim. This must be one of the cruelest things menopause does to us. I have also ordered some D-Mannose (Clear Tract) but it won't arrive for another 5 days. I'll report back on any success with it. In the meantime I'm eating more yoghurt and double dosing the acidopholous capsules and have talked to my doctor about the possibility of getting some compounded estriol cream to prevent future attacks.Don't forget, ladies, yeast spores cling to our underwear and can re-infect us. Either dry your cotton underpants on a very hot dryer setting, or pop them, one pair at a time, in the microwave for 10-20 seconds before putting in the dryer or hanging them up to dry. Make sure they are wet, though, or they'll burn. The heat of the microwave should kill any remaining, stubborn yeast spores.

I, too suffer from reoccuring yeast infections....I think I'll try the microwave solution....hope hubby doesn't see me do it....lol  Seriously, since I've lost almost 20 pounds, the frequency of infection is a bit less...by the way Bevjane, how many capsules do you take a day?

I was taking 2 capsules a day, one after breakfast one after dinner, of  Advanced Acidophilus Plus by Solgar. You only really need to take 1 capsule a day, which would probably be enough because I was still eating yoghurt and mixing some in with my Revival shake to make it thicker. I wasn't taking any chances, though, since I had to go back on the Bactrim a week later when the symptoms returned. Then I did some research and discovered I didn't really have a UTI the second time, just urethral dryness and irritation due to low estrogen levels. I am now off the antibiotics so have cut back to one capsule a day. I get the live acidophilus capsules, the stuff in the fridge at the store, and I will keep this up until my hormones are more balanced. In the past just eating a good brand plain yoghurt every day has kept me yeast free, plus making sure my diet did not include a lot of yeast or fungus foods, such as bread, mushrooms, cheese, wine or too much sugar.

I just got over the first yeast infection that I've had in about 15 years. Now I'm worried that every little itch and irritation is that stupid infection coming back. I'm also worried that my clothes are going to reinfect me and I wont let my husband near me. Should I start eating yogurt to prevent this from happening again?

Hello Ladies - Wow, I'm learning so very much thru the boards. I went thru over 10 years before I had a yeast infection and then...boom... 2 yeast infections within 2 months... the Dr. felt it was because of the antibiotics I've been on (due to sinus infections and strep throat) and it unbalanced my system ... I like the idea of putting the underwear in the microwave - that's a great idea!! If my husband would see me do that he would think it's some kind of kinky sex game, haha. Anyway, I've always used panty shields - so the yeast infection doesn't touch the underwear...that way each day (or 2 to 3 times a day) - throw the panty shields away. I guess our chemicals are changing each day with our perimenapausal/menopausal time and we're sensitive getting yeast infections. Thank you ladies for sharing your thoughts and knowledge.

Hello Ladies! I just found a great website all about yeast infections. It's got some great information. Warning: Depending on your outlook, the writing on this site can be pretty raunchy , or really quite funny . http://www.msu.edu/user/eisthen/yeast/ Happy surfing.... Susan

Such a useful site!! THANK YOU

There is a book out there called "The Yeast Connection" and the problem is Candida which invades your whole system. The solution is a strict diet with absolutely no sugars (yeast thrives on sugar) or yeast (like in bread). Years ago I had chronic yeast infections and after reading this book, went on the suggested diet and it solved my problems. Go to : www.candida-yeast.com and check it out. Take Dr. Crook's evaluation quiz; you'll be really surprised. Pink

Help!

I noticed some labial burning just before my supposed period but today its driving me crazy. There is no discharge like previous yeast infections I have had. My Gynocologist told me not to use Diflucan every time but to use a Vinegar and water douche.
I've been alternating Vagisil and Monostat ointment to the outside of the vaginal area (its fire engine red) I started on Acidophilus also. Does the over the counter version of progesterone cream help?

Thanks,
Pat

Pat, sometimes this can be caused by not wiping your bottom the right way! Because of the way we are plumbed sometimes germs from the btm can get into the vulva and cause this burning sensation. It happened to me once and I had to get a special ointment from the doctor.

I should see your doctor.

Can also be caused by washing powder, fabric conditioner and even pantiliners. I have found that plastic-y ones make me sore.

Thanks for the info.

I got into my GYN today and she just said, "It's part of the aging/perimenopause" so in other words, I have an old crotch!!!

She told me just to use Hydrocortisone cream to the labia for two weeks and if no improvement she would consider an estrogen cream.

The pain is gone today but after a restless night. There is a full moon this Thursdays and its a know fact that some women start their periods around the full moon so if I have one this month, we shall see.

As far as the wiping and pantyliners, I do wipe differently but have always done so and always use Wet Ones. My pantyliner brand hasn't changed in years.

Thanks,
Pat

As far as the wiping and pantyliners, I do wipe differently but have always done so and always use Wet Ones


me too but I have been caught out! I'm paranoid about cleanliness but that too can cause probs. In one of my meno books the doc recommends just washing with cotton wool and clean water...no soaps/wipes etc as it takes away the body's natural protection.

I have all of the sudden came up with a yeast infection which I have not had in a long time. I have used Monistat the one day dose has not gotten rid of it. So sore had a little bit of blood when I wiped. No not starting my period yet. I just feel so raw. I also have been eating yogurt everyday for the past month. Doesn't seem to help. Also have a sinus infection or cold wonder if this has anything to do with it.

You can also use natural yoghurt on a tampon.

Strictly limiting your intake of sugar for awhile is helpful, too.

Starve the little buggers.....

I only had one of these in my life, and I nearly used the pasta server on myself. I was jumping all over the kitchen, and my husband thought I'd really lost it this time.

That was about 20 years ago, and I haven't had a yeast infection since. Eating yogurt works for me, and this is especially good now that we all need more calcium in meno. I eat two sugar-free Columbo yogurts every day, one in the morning and one at lunch, and I have not had a single yeast infection, not ever, in the last 20 years.

Caulses, the yogurt may take a while to work (like more than a month) until you get it into your system, so try to keep eating it. Plus, the sinus infection may indicate that you are run down and your resistance is lowered, so this is why the yeast infection hangs on. Sometimes your period will cure it, if that is due soon. But try to keep up with the yogurt, because the enzymes keep the yeast bacteria from multiplying.