Mildew before, during and after your period

Today, many women complain that they are bothered by thrush before, during and after menstruation. Is this normal or pathological? Even experienced specialists do not have a clear answer to this question. Let's look into this issue.

Is thrush before menstruation normal?

Firstly, it is important to understand that thrush is a fungal disease caused by Candida fungi. Therefore, the second name of this disease is candidiasis. In principle, Candida microorganisms are representatives of normal microflora. Normally, they are part of the vaginal microbiocenosis (in small quantities - no more than 10 ³ CFU / ml). They support local immunity, provide protection of the mucous membranes from pathogenic microorganisms. An important property of these microorganisms is the ability to provide colonization resistance of the mucous membranes, as a result of which pathogenic microorganisms cannot penetrate, be absorbed on the mucous membrane, and cause disease.

However, under certain circumstances, such as hormonal changes, decreased immunity, hypothermia, after protsessary and other diseases accompanied by antibiotic therapy, the composition of the natural microflora may change. In this case, the number of Candida fungi may increase sharply, which leads to the development of the disease. Thus, thrush is considered rather not as an independent disease, but as one of the types of dysbiosis, in which the normal quantitative and qualitative ratio of microflora is disrupted.

Many people get thrush before their period. Is it normal or not is a controversial issue, since on the one hand, it is not a true disease, in the full sense of the word. On the other hand, it is dysbacteriosis, a violation of the normal composition of microflora, which can no longer be called the norm. Thrush before menstruation develops due to the fact that at this time the body's resistance is maximally reduced: hormonal changes occur, there is a load on the internal organs, the internal temperature rises, and immunity decreases. In addition, at this time, the mucous layers of the reproductive organs are renewed. These are optimal conditions for microflora disorders and a sharp growth of fungus. However, in many women, this condition does not require treatment, and goes away on its own. As soon as the immunity and normal hormonal background are restored. [ 1 ]

Can you get thrush during your period?

Thrush can occur at any time when the body has a decrease in immunity, hormonal imbalance. Menstruation is the most suitable time for this. However, it does not occur in everyone, but only in those who are predisposed to this disease. So, if a woman has high immunity, ideal female health, she leads an active lifestyle, an adequate sex life, consumes the necessary amount of vitamins, minerals, exercises, observes the work and rest regime, eats well, thrush does not threaten her. Violation of at least one of these risk factors increases the likelihood of developing thrush.

Thus, answering the question: "Can you get thrush during your period?", you can definitely answer in the affirmative. It can, but there must be predisposing factors, and first of all - reduced immunity, a violation of the microflora. Therefore, before starting treatment for thrush, it is advisable to consult not only a gynecologist, but also an endocrinologist, an immunologist. Perhaps a more rational solution to the problem would be to increase immunity, normalize hormonal levels and eliminate dysbacteriosis. Then thrush will cease to be a problem forever. [ 2 ]

Do you have your period when you have thrush?

Answering the question: "Do menstruations occur with thrush?", you need to clearly understand how these two phenomena are related. And what they essentially are. Menstruation is a process in which an unfertilized egg is released with blood. This process is a hormone-dependent process in which hormonal levels change. Accordingly, the composition of the microflora, the state of the immune system, and the protective properties of the body change. Optimal conditions are created for disruption of the microflora of the urogenital tract, for the progression of a fungal infection (the Candida fungus is activated). Then thrush develops, which is essentially a fungal infection. The conclusion suggests itself: these two processes are not related to each other in any way, so menstruation occurs even with thrush.

Will thrush go away after menstruation?

It is impossible to answer the question of whether thrush will go away after menstruation without a gynecological examination and without test results. In this regard, not so much a standard cytological examination (smear) as an immunogram is very informative. For this, blood is taken from a vein and the state of the main indicators of immunity is assessed.

Based on the results obtained, a conclusion is made regarding how long the fungal infection can progress, whether the anti-infective immunity is able to suppress it, or whether special treatment is required. Everything depends on the individual characteristics of the organism: in some cases, the hormonal background quickly returns to normal, immunity also increases, and the colonization resistance of the mucous membranes returns to normal. Then the disease regresses, and everything returns to normal. If there are significant immune disorders, treatment may be required.

Causes thrush before your period

The main reason is that the entire system of neuroregulatory regulation of the body changes, starting from a decrease in the synthesis of neuroregulatory peptides and neurotransmitters, ending with changes in the normal functioning of the system of non-specific resistance, microcirculation, systemic and local immunity. The last link that directly triggers the pathogenesis of thrush is a violation of the colonization resistance of microorganisms, a decrease in the number of normal and opportunistic microflora, and activation of fungal growth (in particular, Candida fungi).

Often the reason is that the immune system is weakened due to the fact that the woman is overtired, overcooled, or exposed to prolonged intoxication. Thrush can also develop against the background of many other diseases, and can be provoked by a high viral load, bacterial endotoxins. Thrush often occurs after prolonged treatment with antibiotics, after antiviral therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. It often occurs with severe viral and bacterial diseases, malaria, exhaustion of the body, kidney and liver diseases, and diseases of the female reproductive system. [ 3 ]

Why does thrush start before menstruation?

Often a gynecologist has to hear the question: "Why does thrush begin before menstruation?" Although, by and large, this is not a question for a gynecologist, but rather for an immunologist. This is due to the fact that the whole matter lies in a person's immunity. The possibility or impossibility of the development of thrush is determined by the state of not only the mucous membranes of the urogenital tract, but also the state of the immune system as a whole. With normal systemic immunity, local immunity, as a rule, is also maintained within normal limits. A decrease in immunity entails a decrease in the protective properties of the mucous membranes, as a result of which the number of normal microflora decreases, and the number of fungal microorganisms increases, which manifests itself in the form of thrush. That is, in order to find out why thrush worsens before menstruation, and take appropriate preventive measures, it is better to consult an immunologist, since in most cases, the matter is in reduced immunity.

Why does thrush start after menstruation?

In order to find out why thrush begins after menstruation, to determine the exact cause, and to finally get rid of it, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive examination, which will include not only a gynecologist, but also at least an immunologist and endocrinologist.

Another important stage of diagnostics is laboratory tests that will confirm the diagnosis. The main method is bacteriological examination. A smear is taken from the mucous membranes, or a scraping from the walls of the urogenital tract.

The diagnosis is based on the detection of thrush pathogens (Candida fungus) in a smear from the urogenital tract. It is important to understand that a small amount of this fungus may be present in the smear and normally. But we talk about the disease only if there is a sharp increase to a level exceeding the permissible limits of the norm. Then such a condition is considered a pathology, and appropriate treatment is prescribed. A diagnosis of "candidiasis" can be made if the amount of Candida fungus exceeds 10 ⁴ CFU / ml.

In case of thrush, instrumental examinations are also carried out. First of all, this is a standard gynecological examination (examination in mirrors), bimanual (digital examination). The external genitals, vagina, and cervix are examined. A smear is necessarily taken (the diagnosis is made based on its results).

Sometimes there is a need for other methods of instrumental examination. For example, with the help of hysteroscopy, it is possible to penetrate the uterine cavity through the cervix and conduct the necessary examinations and inspection. With the help of laparoscopic methods, an examination of the internal cavity of the uterus is also performed. It makes it possible to take material for biopsy, to examine places inaccessible for examination during hysteroscopy. [ 4 ]

Also used are ultrasound of the pelvis, X-ray, CT, MRI. These methods allow to visualize pathology in dynamic mode, to look at processes in dynamics, to observe the features of their course. It is possible to look in different projections.

Risk factors

Women with a history of chronic infectious diseases, patients with dysbacteriosis and disturbances of normal microbiocenoses in any biotopes often suffer from thrush. The risk group includes women with acute and chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver, reproductive organs, spleen, cancer patients, patients who have recently undergone any surgical intervention, anesthesia, anesthesia. Various therapeutic and diagnostic procedures on the pelvic organs are especially common causes of thrush: early termination of pregnancy, abortions, hysteroscopy, other invasive gynecological examinations, operations and gynecological procedures. [ 5 ]

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis is based on an increase in the number of fungal microflora in the mucous membranes of the female genital tract. Actively multiplying, the fungal flora suppresses the growth of other microorganisms, in particular, bacterial microflora. The protective potential of the reproductive organs is sharply reduced. By-products of metabolism accumulate, intoxication occurs, the mucous membranes of the genital tract are damaged. Accordingly, an active inflammatory process develops. Lymphocytes and neutrophils arrive at the site of inflammation, inflammatory factors and mediators begin to be released, including histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines. Accordingly, the inflammatory process is actively maintained and even progresses.

Symptoms thrush before your period

The first symptoms of thrush are itching, which develops due to irritation of the mucous membranes of the genital tract by the products of fungal metabolism. During the development of the inflammatory process, histamine is released, which also leads to severe irritation and itching. Redness and hyperemia gradually appear, and the mucous membranes become swollen. It is worth noting that in most cases, thrush is painless, but severe itching is disturbing. It is also worth noting that one of the main signs of thrush is profuse discharge, which usually begins with transparent, sticky discharge. They appear quite intensely and may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

Gradually, as the fungus multiplies and the infection progresses, they become white. In the later stages, abundant white, cheesy discharge appears, which often comes in flakes. They can acquire an extremely unpleasant odor, similar to the smell of rotten fish, which indicates the addition of pathogenic bacterial microflora and an increase in the inflammatory process. Also, one of the signs of the late stage of thrush development can be pain, burning during urination, false and frequent urge to urinate. [ 6 ]

The pain may increase with prolonged stay in one position, while sitting. And gradually covers the rectum. There is pain in the intestine, pain during defecation, less often - constipation. With such signs, thrush can easily progress, rise up the ascending tract, cover the internal organs, and then it will be extremely difficult to get rid of it.

First signs of thrush before menstruation

The first signs of thrush before menstruation are itching and other unpleasant sensations in the genital area. At the first stages, it is just itching, which gradually intensifies as the disease progresses. Then discharge appears: at first abundant, sticky, but transparent. Gradually, they acquire a white tint and a cheesy consistency. As these symptoms increase, the feeling of discomfort intensifies, a burning sensation appears during urination, pain.

Itching before menstruation

Many women complain that they are bothered by itching before menstruation. This phenomenon is not rare, it develops for various reasons, but first of all, due to hormonal changes in the body, as well as against the background of decreased immunity. In addition, before menstruation, sensitization and sensitivity of the body, reactivity and excitability of the nervous system increase significantly. In this regard, even minimal impact on the receptor can be perceived as an amplified supersignal.

In addition, there may be many reasons and predisposing factors that worsen before menstruation. The pathogenesis is based on various processes, depending on what caused the development of itching. But, as practice shows, most often the cause lies in the violation of sensitivity and susceptibility of receptors, which entails increased reactivity of the body, increased immune response, sometimes even allergization of the body, and excessive excitability and lability of the nervous system.

It is quite easy to recognize this condition: the main symptoms are increasing discomfort, itching, burning. These symptoms can occur in the genital area, gradually covering other parts of the body, and can be localized only in certain, intimate places. Many women note that their feet and palms itch, which is also quite understandable, since it is in these areas that the largest number of receptors and endings of nerve ganglia are localized. [ 7 ]

Persistent thrush before menstruation

If you are bothered by constant thrush before menstruation, and treatment is not effective, you need to find out the cause of this condition and take measures to eliminate it. In addition to a gynecologist, you need to contact an immunologist who will assess the state of the immune system and, if necessary, prescribe appropriate means. This is due to the fact that with a normal state of the immune system, the absence of disorders and imbalance, thrush cannot occur. It occurs only against the background of immune disorders.

But immune disorders can be provoked by hormonal imbalance, then you may need a consultation with an endocrinologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, who will assess the immune background and prescribe treatment if necessary. Also, often a consultation with a bacteriologist, microbiologist, in extreme cases, an infectious disease specialist is needed, who will assess the state of the microbiota of the urogenital tract, assess the risk of developing microbiocenosis disorders, as well as the likelihood of developing dysbacteriosis, bacterial and fungal infection. Depending on the identified state of the microbiocenosis of the female genital organs, appropriate treatment will be selected. Often it is enough to restore normal natural microflora, and thrush will stop bothering.

If necessary, additional consultations with other specialists may be required. For example, thrush may indicate the development of endogenous intoxication, which develops, for example, due to the accumulation of bacterial metabolites, both from normal and pathogenic microflora.

In any case, it is impossible to do without consulting a competent specialist. Even if at first glance it may seem that there is no reason, this is not so. The reason may be hidden, the pathology may proceed latently. In most cases, thrush occurs against the background of a general change in biochemical parameters, the state of immunity, with increased sensitivity, hyperreactivity, excessive sensitization of the body, and even due to obesity, or, conversely, exhaustion of the body. Thrush also develops as a result of improper nutrition, a lack of vitamins in the body, and a lack of individual amino acids.

Symptoms of thrush during menstruation

Thrush always manifests itself in approximately the same way, and the symptoms of thrush during menstruation are the same as at any other time. At first, itching, discomfort in the genital area appear, discharge appears that outwardly resembles flakes of cottage cheese or curd mass. As the pathology progresses, a burning sensation develops, pain may appear, which covers not only the genital area, but also the rectum. Sometimes pain occurs during defecation, intestinal disorders.

Thrush went away after my period

Often women at a gynecologist's appointment note that they had thrush after menstruation, but it went away on its own, without any treatment. This is quite possible, and this indicates that the woman has a fairly high immunity, which successfully copes with various pathological conditions, is able to maintain the normal state of the local microflora, the system of non-specific resistance.

In order for the body to successfully cope with such diseases in the future, it is necessary to provide it with reliable prevention. It is necessary to ensure that the body always receives adequate nutrition. Important conditions are adherence to the daily routine and rest, a balance of vitamins and minerals, the absence of stress, nervous tension, overwork, and a normal drinking regime. It is also mandatory to follow the rules of personal hygiene, wear comfortable and hypoallergenic underwear. It is especially important to promptly identify dysbacteriosis, immune and hormonal disorders and take action. [ 8 ]

Complications and consequences

At first glance, it may seem that thrush before, during and after menstruation is not a cause for concern. But this is not so, in any case, you need to see a doctor. Untreated thrush is dangerous because it can lead to persistent disturbances in the microbiocenosis and local immunity. As a result, the risk of developing gynecological diseases and inflammatory processes increases significantly. Thrush can cause infertility, miscarriage, complications during childbirth, in the postpartum period. In addition, disturbances in local immunity can lead to serious disturbances in systemic immunity, the state of the endocrine and immune systems. Thrush can progress, affecting internal organs. [ 9 ]

Diagnostics thrush before your period

It is possible to talk about thrush only after tests have been done and they have confirmed the diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on the detection of thrush pathogens (Candida fungus) in a smear from the urogenital tract. It is for this reason that thrush is also called candidiasis. A small amount of this fungus may be present in the smear and is normal. But its sharp increase to a level exceeding the permissible limits of the norm is already considered a pathology, and appropriate treatment is prescribed. In order to diagnose thrush, it is necessary that the amount of Candida fungus be higher than 10 ⁴ CFU / ml. For diagnosis, you should definitely visit a gynecologist.

Tests

The analysis is called a smear, taken by a gynecologist during a gynecological examination. Using a special stick and turunda, a smear is taken from the walls, mucous membrane of the vagina, if necessary - the cervical canal (cervix). Then the biological material is placed in a test tube, part - on a slide, and sent to the laboratory for further research. In the laboratory, microscopy is performed (the sample is examined under a microscope, pathologically altered cells, inclusions, the presence of microorganisms, and other indicators are identified). This is an important stage of the study, since in the presence of a cancerous tumor, even at the earliest stage of its origin, pathologically transformed cells will be detected in the smear. This will allow a timely response to the situation.

Then the biological material is seeded on selective nutrient media, and a standard bacteriological study is carried out. Microorganisms are incubated in a thermostat, and under favorable conditions their growth is detected. The type and genus of microorganisms are determined by the nature of growth. If there is a high degree of contamination with representatives of the genus Candida (over 10 ⁴ ), the diagnosis is "candidiasis", which means thrush. The degree (number of microorganisms) is indicated in the analysis results. Further treatment depends on this.

Instrumental diagnostics

In case of thrush, instrumental examination is always used. It is a standard gynecological examination (examination in mirrors). The external genitals, vagina, and cervix are examined. If this is sufficient, a smear is taken. And based on its results, a diagnosis is made.

Sometimes a more complex pathology is detected, or its development is suspected. Then there is a need for other methods of instrumental examination, which will allow a more extensive and comprehensive study of the condition. For example, with the help of hysteroscopy, it is possible to penetrate the uterine cavity through the cervix and conduct the necessary studies, examination. This is often done when tumors, inflammatory diseases are suspected. With the help of a hysteroscope, an examination is carried out, it is also possible to display the image on the screen, make a record, detailed pictures for further study. The procedure is relatively simple and safe.

Using laparoscopic methods, the internal cavity of the uterus is also examined. But this is a more painful and traumatic procedure, in which a puncture is made, and instruments are inserted through them into the cavity. It makes it possible to take material for biopsy, to examine places that are inaccessible for examination during hysteroscopy.

Also used are ultrasound of the pelvis, X-ray, CT, MRI. These methods allow to visualize pathology in dynamic mode, to look at processes in dynamics, to observe the features of their course. It is possible to look in different projections.

Differential diagnosis

Usually, differential diagnostic methods are used when it is necessary to differentiate between the signs of various diseases that manifest themselves in a similar way. Basically, thrush has to be differentiated from other infectious diseases, from sexually transmitted infections. Many infectious diseases, especially bacterial or fungal, manifest themselves in approximately the same way. Especially, in the early stages of the pathology.

The only reliable method is a bacteriological examination. A smear is taken from the mucous membranes, or a scraping from the walls of the urogenital tract. An analysis is carried out in the laboratory, after which the results are issued. The analysis indicates which microorganism caused the development of the disease. If a fungus of the genus Candida is detected, a diagnosis of candidiasis or thrush is made.

Prevention

Prevention is based on:

• proper nutrition,
• adherence to the daily routine and rest,
• balance of vitamins and minerals,
• normal drinking regime,
• compliance with personal hygiene rules,
• wearing comfortable and hypoallergenic underwear.

It is also necessary to undergo regular preventive examinations by a gynecologist, periodically undergo consultations with an immunologist. It is especially important to promptly identify fungus, dysbacteriosis, immune disorders and take measures. You cannot overcool, minimize the impact of stress on the body.

Forecast

If you are concerned about thrush before, during and after your period, you should see a doctor. In most cases, with proper and timely treatment, the prognosis will be favorable.