Menopause

As women age and start to go through perimenopause and menopause, side effects can include vaginal dryness, irritation, discomfort and even pain during sex. As we age, our abundance of healthy Lactobacillus bacteria decreases which can be one of the culprits for some of these uncomfortable vaginal symptoms. Low levels of healthy bacteria during menopause can also allow pathogens to be introduced more frequently, and cause discomfort. 

Vaginal microbiome in menopause

According to Jessica Lloyd, head of MyVagina and a vaginal microbiome expert: “A menopausal vagina typically has low levels of all bacteria, not just lactobacilli. This lack of protective healthy flora may result in the overgrowth of pathogens that can cause bacterial vaginosis or aerobic vaginitis, along with sometimes an increase in urinary tract infections.”

She says the pH of a menopausal vagina will also increase, and the actual number may vary depending on which microbes are present. The pH tends to be around 5.5. This can be problematic because a healthy vaginal microbiome sits at around 3.5-4.5 on the pH scale. Those above 4.5 are at risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis.

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