Menopause, Vaginal Health & The Gut Connection Every Woman Should Know | Dr. Betsy Greenleaf

If you're dealing with recurrent yeast infections or UTIs that keep coming back, this episode reveals the brain-gut-vagina connection most doctors miss. Dr. Betsy Greenleaf explains why fixing your gut microbiome is the key to stopping recurring vaginal infections for good.TOPICS COVERED:Dr. Betsy's Personal Story Her struggle with recurrent yeast infections from her teens and discovering the connection between diet and vaginal health.The Gut-Vagina Microbiome Connection Why the standard American diet (high sugar, processed foods) throws off your gut microbiome, leading to recurrent yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (fishy odor), and recurring UTIs. The Brain-Gut-Vagina Triangle Your gut produces 90% of your happy hormones. When your gut microbiome is off, it triggers inflammation, elevated cortisol, anxiety, depression, AND vaginal infections.Diet for Vaginal Health Simple 4-category rule: if it didn't swim, grow, walk, or fly - don't eat it. Plus probiotics and fermented foods to restore gut balance.Testing & Treatments Microbiome testing (stool tests, vaginal swabs), natural treatments (oregano oil, berberine, wormwood), and why traditional medications often miss the root cause.Menopause & Vaginal Health When estrogen drops, vaginal tissue thins, pH changes, and healthy bacteria lose their food source - leading to more recurrent vaginal infections, UTIs, dryness, itching, and odor.Hormone Options Local hormones (estrogen, DHEA, testosterone) for vaginal tissue when systemic hormones don't reach effectively.Sex & Infections Why some women get vaginal infections after sex (semen pH affects vaginal balance) and how boric acid suppositories help.The 3am Wake-Up Problem Why women wake at 3-4am during menopause (cortisol) and solutions: binaural beats, box breathing, magnesium threonate, melatonin, valerian root. Plus screen time rules and sleep environment tips.The Real Culprit: Stress Stress affects gut microbiome, vaginal health, hormones, and sleep. Honor yourself, schedule me-time, aim for 80/20 eating, and find something relaxing you enjoy.GUEST BIO: Dr. Betsy Greenleaf is a triple board-certified physician in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, and Integrative Medicine. She's the founder of the International Pause Institute and has spent 20+ years specializing in menopause, perimenopause, andropause, pelvic floor health, and women's wellness.RESOURCES MENTIONED:The Pelvic Floor Store: pelvicfloorstore.com (Use code AGINGFIERCELY for 10% off your order)Free Hormone Quiz: PauseInstitute.comCONNECT WITH DR. BETSY GREENLEAF:Instagram: drbetsygreenleafYouTube: Dr Betsy GreenleafCONNECT WITH AM COSTANZOInstagram: @aging.fiercelyYouTube: @amcostanzowellness

There are no comments yet.

Please log in to write the first comment.