Perimenopause is the name given to the lead-up to menopause and usually begins in a womans late 40’’s. Hormones production falls out of its usual rhythm and are in a state of fluctuation. Periods become more erratic, heavier bleeding, missing periods or longer bleeding cycles than normal. Memory problems may start and PMS symptoms worsen.
Menopause is the period in a woman’s life when menstruation has stopped and she has been without a period for 12 months. The ovaries are no longer releasing eggs and her oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone hormones start to steadily and irreversably decline as she ages.
You might find yourself asking, can menopause cause thrush? The answer is yes – one of the lesser-known menopause symptoms is thrush. In this article, we’ll look at thrush and menopause – what causes it, what the symptoms are, and how to treat it. Firstly, what is thrush?
What is Thrush?
Thrush is a common type of yeast infection leading to inflammation. It’s usually caused by a type of yeast called candida, which usually lives harmlessly on the skin, in the mouth, in the gut, and in the vagina. In women, thrush most commonly affects the vagina and the skin. It’s usually harmless, but can be uncomfortable – itchiness and irritation are the most common symptoms.
How Can You Develop Thrush?
Your chances of developing thrush increase if you have dry, irritated, or damaged skin, or if you use perfumed products like shower gel. Pregnancy, a weakened immune system, or taking antibiotics also increase your chances of getting it. And, so does the menopause. Let’s go through some of the symptoms..
What are the symptoms of thrush?
Vaginal thrush comes with a whole host of symptoms that can interfere with your everyday life. The most common ones are:
- Vaginal chaffing
- A sore clitoris area
- Unusually thick, white vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex, or when inserting a tampon
- Pain when peeing
It’s possible to have thrush and not have any symptoms – in fact, many women have it without even realising it. However, if you’re going through menopause, changing hormone levels and a decline in vaginal pH tend to cause bacteria to multiply quite quickly, which means you’re likely to develop symptoms at some point.
If you’re not sure whether or not you have thrush, your doctor or a nurse can perform a quick test. However, it’s usually not necessary.
Why is thrush common in menopause?
As menopause approaches, oestrogen ( estrogen) levels start to fluctuate, and thrush is one of the side effects.
- When estrogen levels drop, the production of vaginal mucus also slows down.
- This mucus is designed to keep the vagina supple and elastic, so as levels drop, vaginal dryness often sets in.
- Along with this comes atrophy – the thinning of tissue. And on top of that, acidity levels in the vagina also fall.
- All of this leads to an environment that’s more susceptible to yeast (and other) infections such as thrush
Other Menopause Symptoms
Thrush can be one of the more unexpected symptoms women notice during perimenopause and menopause, but it often doesn’t happen on its own. For many women, it appears alongside other changes linked to fluctuating hormones, such as poor sleep, mood changes, brain fog, hot flushes, and low energy. That’s why it can be helpful to look at your symptoms as part of the bigger menopause picture and think about how you’re supporting your body overall.
Why do thrush and UTI's often appear together?
Thrush can often be accompanied by a urinary tract infection (UTI). These come about as a result of vaginal dryness and reduced acidity causing an environment that allows bacteria to multiply more easily.
For many women, thrush during perimenopause or menopause is just one part of a wider set of symptoms linked to hormonal fluctuation. You may also be noticing changes in sleep, mood, focus, skin, or energy levels. While thrush itself may need specific treatment, supporting your body through the wider menopause transition can help you feel more like yourself again.
Treatments for menopause thrush
Thankfully, thrush often goes away on its own. It can however be treated very easily with anti-fungal medication. The medication comes in the form of tablets, cream, or vaginal suppositories which you can buy over the counter without a prescription. According to the NHS, once treated, thrush should clear up within one to two weeks.
Some people experience recurring instances of thrush during menopause. If this happens, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it. Here are the main things.
3 Tips To Alleviate Thrush
Avoid douching
Douching removes the healthy vaginal bacteria that help protect you against infections such as thrush. It’s best to only use water to wash your vagina, and avoid using perfumed soaps and shower gels in the pubic area, as these can make you itch.
Keep yourself dry
Excess moisture, such as sweat, can help yeast infections thrive. And since hot flashes are so common during menopause, it’s important to keep sweat at bay in order to avoid thrush. It’s a good idea to wear cotton underwear, as it’s more breathable and doesn’t make you sweat. Avoid sitting around in wet clothes such as swimwear for too long, too.
Avoid tight clothing
Wearing things like tight jeans, leggings, lycra shorts and tights too often can increase your chances of developing thrush as can synthetic underwear.
The bottom line
Thrush can be an uncomfortable and sometimes overlooked symptom of perimenopause and menopause. While treating the infection itself is important, it can also be a sign that your body is going through wider hormonal changes.
Menopause symptoms often overlap, which is why a single issue like thrush can sometimes be the prompt for women to realise their hormones are shifting more broadly. If this sounds familiar, it may be worth looking at the bigger picture of how you’re supporting your body through perimenopause and menopause — including nutrition, lifestyle, and symptom support.
FAQs
What does menopause itching feel like?
The reduction in moisture caused by falling estrogen levels leads to dry skin and itching. This feels just like any other itchy skin and can be accompanied by red bumps, a rash, and irritation.
Can menopause cause a sore clitoris area?
Menopause can cause symptoms like a sore or itchy clitoris and clitoral atrophy (when the clitoris no longer functions as it should). This is because when estrogen levels fall, the clitoris – along with the rest of the vulva – can get smaller and drier, leading to pain and soreness.
When should I be concerned about vaginal itching?
Menopause vaginal itching is common and is usually nothing to worry about. However, if it persists for more than a week and comes with other symptoms like ulcers, blisters, or pain, you should contact your doctor.
Thrush may be one of the less talked-about symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, but it can sit alongside many other hormonal changes. At Eve Biology we focus on nutritional support for women navigating menopause, helping you support your body through this phase in a more holistic way. The Nutritionists Guide To The Menopause Diet
