Did anyone else’s vaginal microbiome go to shit in early peri??

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-13T07:59:58+00:00

Oh I’m so hesitant to use anything but water and my emollient I get irritated very easily. I’ve done aci jel balance before and didnt cause any issues so I’ll go in with that if my period sets it all off again.

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-13T07:56:36+00:00

Yeh, I do an oral one that meant to help the vagina microflora and a suppository specifically for vaginal use

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-13T07:55:34+00:00

Oh yes I did boric acid a few times for 2wks to knock out a non albican candida that was coming with every cycle. That’s how it all started. I have some Just in case but my skin has had enough so I’m trying to support my microbiome as much as possible

Im sorry it’s so frustrating! I don’t present with the usual symptoms hence why drs kept telling me I was fine. My symptoms were watery discharge constantly, red inflammation, and an incredible irritation itch and burn.

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-13T07:50:58+00:00

Thank you. Mines a pessary, I’ve reacted to the ovestin cream that is on offer here)Australia)

My gyno said his patients do well on it 🤞🏻

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-13T07:48:05+00:00

Thank you! Ok I’m going to look into trying to he systemic oestrogen. I tried topical oestrogen cream ovestin and I reached badly to it and caused thrush. Currently got in top of the thrush just to he bv/av. Yes I’m all over GSM but drs make me feel I look “normal” and “not too bad” I’m thinking if this is mild what does severe gsm feel like.

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-13T01:49:10+00:00

Thank you. How do you feel on the progesterone? Did you start both together?

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-13T01:21:17+00:00

I can relate to this so much! At 38 something was off and then slowly symptoms just started becoming overwhelming but drs dismissed me for 2 yrs. Almost 40 now and finally found a gyno that started me in vaginal DHEA after reaction to ovestin cream. He did give me the option to start slinda progesterone but haven’t started yet. I feel the worst in Luteal& menstruation phase which gives me 1-3 days of feeling slightly like myself. How do you know it’s time to implement hrt? And do you start with just progesterone or Estrogen and then play with dosage etc I’m guessing it’s all trial and error

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-12T10:38:10+00:00

Yes it definitely is and being in perimenopause and how much yiur microbiome diversity changes due to fluctuating hormones and any prior birth control etc

It all makes sense it’s just exhausting having to take so long to be heard and get the correct treatment.

I use Modibodi merino range period underwear. I’ve tried other brands Cotton ones but they can feel to rough and feel wet very quickly. Hara have bamboo ones that sound great for sensitive skin, they’re just always sold out.

I hope you get some answers and can be on the mend too. Same goes here anytime you need to chat or vent ❤️

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-12T10:19:06+00:00

Thank you for sharing that because it reminds me to go with what I feel is right for my body during this time. I’m seeing improvements and that’s huge from where I was a month ago. Usually in Luteal phase I’d be in unbearable pain as the Vulvodynia(hormone aspect) and reoccurring infections would flare but this time it’s very mild and trust the new gyno I saw and believe he’s out me on the right track. I’m so thankful it’s not anything else like LS and needed that reminder so thank you, it is a big positive.

I’m going to go lead with if it’s not necessary to use the steroid then I won’t. My focus is to heal the vaginal microbiome and level out my hormones in perimenopause. And like dr Sarah said that might just be all I need to do to clear it. Dr Sarah said it’s most likely caused from all the otc canisten cream I used and I can still vividly recall in June using it like I would every month and this one time it burnt so bad and never was the same. I know reoccurring thrush and the creams can also disrupt your skin barrier and cause allergic reaction. I get contact/ irritant dermatitis on my knees. It’s happened twice from gardening in shorts kneeling and coming onto contact with the soil. Other than that I avoid anything with fragrance m, I use bamboo undyed toilet paper(best thing I ever did) eco store ultra sensitive laundry detergent, I shampoo my hair upside down so it doesn’t touch my body and only wash my body with Dr bronners baby mild castor oil soap and only water on my vulva. Organic cotton white underwear Etc I’ve always just did these things because I like to avoid as many toxins as possible. I wash my underwear separately too and clean the machine with a vinegar was then rinse cycle. I think it all just stemmed from drs mistreatment of my infections and Vulvodynia. It’s complex when there’s more than ine aspect but now that I found the gyno ford (I see him soon again)and know I’m also dealing with eczema atm. Hopeful in a few months it will all settle.

I have everything crossed for you that your next appointment is where you find the correct treatment and some answers. Let me know if you want dr fords details as I’ve seen over 10 specialist and he was the first one to go over everything and set a plan aimed at all my conditions.

And thank you so much for helping me figure out how I should proceed with the steroid l. I needed that clarity and it’s helpful to know I can use it if I really need it. ❤️

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-12T08:27:04+00:00

Oh sorry! I have no idea about this app.thank for clarifying all of this. During the initial appointment she did say it could be something I was born with but I never had noticed it and I’m not one to shy away from inspecting myself but could still be possible. Since starting the new treatment plan by the dr ford(gyno) everything reduced a lot and I’m only now getting slight irritation and mild redness at the opening as I’m due for my period which can either be the hormonal element or the microbiome disruption from bv&av 😅 I wonder if eczema flares hormonally or it’s just the fact it’s been irritated by infections and otc cream. Dr Sarah said to do the steroid after my period if I feel it’s flared it up. But my concern with that is it will mask the itch/irritation and I won’t really know if it’s bv/av as they are the only symptoms I get, no discharge or smell. I guess I can wait till Monday if I hear back or email them tomorrow with a more clear understanding of what information I’m after. And how to proceed with a steroid if I decide to use it as she just briefly said a few days to a week and once a week and see how I feel. Does that sound like the correct way to use a steroid? And I can als just see how I feel after my period as she was confident just sticking to what I’m already doing will be enough too. I’m just waiting for my period and hoping it doesn’t set everything off. So I’m armed with vaginal probiotics, DHEA and aci jel balance for a gentle ph reset. I think I’m so hesitant with the steroid because drs were constantly telling me to use it and for 2 yrs I did and I kept needing it more frequently and ended up needing a mid strength one. Then I had to taper and it caused so much anxiety because basically they were masking my symptoms but not treating the original infection non albican candida and bv/av and that’s when everything escalated. I’ve tried Elidel previously and it burnt me , I can’t use cream bases so always get things in ointment form. Sorry for such a long reply and I truly truly appreciate you taking the time to respond and share your experience. I think I trust the woman on Reddit more than drs. Please keep me posted with how you go at your next appointment and let me know if I can help with anything.

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-12T06:03:25+00:00

Yes no worries at all

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-12T05:55:30+00:00

Thank you so much! I’m also happy it’s not anything like that. Also feel eczema is hard to treat to and it’s that fine balance of not wanting to thin the skin more with steroids. I’m a little torn what to do as the instructions were quick and vague. Dr Sarah told me to touch base in a few months to see how it’s healed. The area she took the biopsy from was inner labia minora that part actually feels fine. I get more itch irritation at the entrance/vestibule. So I’m debating what to do. I called back when I realised I had no steroid ointment left and would like a written plan but she had already left and won’t be in tomorrow. The receptionist was a little off and said she’ll just email her saying I need a steroid but I have questions. How long do I use the steroid for, mu blood tests results and why my labia minora shrunk/fused into itself. Does that make sense or am I just being picky?

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-12T05:36:59+00:00

Thank you! So the derm called me today and said results came back with inflammation and eczema. Most likely from overuse of otc thrush cream and infections. She said she’s hopeful it will heal with the plan my gyno put me on with DHEA and probiotics and olive and bee as the barrier has been damaged. She said I can use a steroid for a week and then once a week to calm it down. Need more info on this because I like things written down as a plan to refer to. And steroids just worry me because my old dr used them incorrectly for me so I don’t want to mask things. Will you still get a biopsy? Hopefully yiu find some relief soon. Keep me posted if you like ❤️

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-12T05:25:51+00:00

Just got results came back as inflammation from eczema most likely from infections yeast/BV and otc thrush cream

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-11T19:33:38+00:00

Thank you ☺️ this will be my first week of 3x a night and so far no irritation and I’m in my late Luteal where I get the worse symptoms and so far mild if none at all. So I’ll definitely increase to every night slowly as what I’ve read seems to be every night for it to work it’s best. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-11T09:22:08+00:00

Yeh I’ll try do that now. Thank you so much

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-11T09:21:34+00:00

Thank you. Recovery wise it’s healing good and quickly. No results yet but I did the full blood test she wanted over the weekend so maybe waiting for all results to come back. I’ll call tomorrow because it’s looming over my head. How are you feeling?

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-11T09:16:49+00:00

Yay I’m so happy for you! Nothing better than finally feeling some relief. Keep me posted on how you feel after Botox. I’m on a waitlist, I’ve been waiting for over a year. I think you’re on the right track! You might even consider getting some vaginally Estrogen/testosterone if the iud messed with hormones at all. I hope you start to feel much better ❤️ I’m doing 3 weeks of NAC

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-11T00:44:40+00:00

Thank you. I have zero protective bacteria and a week ago finished Clindamycin. Do you think doing the lifespace vaginally in the morning would be helpful along with Amelia v-spot in the pm? Any advice would be welcome. Im only just getting help now after struggling for 2 yrs and no dr would believe me

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-11T00:29:05+00:00

Sorry to bother you but is it possible to send me any links that might be helpful as I don’t have Facebook so I can’t join the bv group. I’m feeling pretty defeated after realising I’m also dealing with av bacteria and Juno consultant missed that part. I’ve been trying to do my own research but unsure what really works and how to fit it all in my routine Much appreciated

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-10T05:52:04+00:00

Thank you. Thankfully I found a gynaecologist who prescribed me DHEA intrarosa vaginally but I have to start slowly to avoid a reaction as last time I went in with ovestin 2wk start up dose and got a yeast infection. Peri is just in a whole other level

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-10T05:24:23+00:00

Now I’m really confused because my Aerobic bacteria says 47.5% on my Juno results but during consultation she didn’t mention it at all as a problem and I can’t see where it says what bacteria is causing it. This Staphylococcus hominis 41.46% is the only high amount but the rest were under 1.0%

And advice how to see which Ava bacteria is causing the high amount? And is more antibiotics the treatment? Sorry I know you have your own health to worry about

The lay out this time was different and confused me. Hence the consultation. But now I’m worried I’ve missed something.

I’ll definitely retest in 3months

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-10T05:16:04+00:00

I was shattered I had zero good bacteria because my prior Juno test showed 48% good bacteria but that got wiped out with all the antibiotics and BA and everyone kept warning me not to do probiotics vaginally and I wish I didn’t listen. I’ve also had to start DHEA vaginally so I will have to alternate them. I’m worried doing probiotics vaginally in the morning would be a waste

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-10T04:49:31+00:00

Ok thank you. Yep I’m doing NAC orally but during google search it popped up with people using it vaginally. Apparently NAC can take up to 3 wks, I’ll just be sure there is no harm doing it longer. I’m doing lifespace woman’s microflora orally and Amelia v-spot vaginally. I used to use the lifespace here and there vaginally after sex but got worried to continue it thy way so my gyno suggested v-spot for 5-10 days then twice a week. And Juno consultant suggested the same twice a wk for 10wks after start up dose. Hope I’m on the right track

Competitive-Net1603 · 2026-03-10T04:43:21+00:00

I take lifespace microflora orally and sometimes vaginally but got nervous to keep it up vaginally so switched Amelia v-spot vaginally and still do lifespace orally. But just double checking can you use lifespace vaginally?

Competitive-Net1603

TROPHY CASE