Yeast infection Menstruation Period and Menstrual Cycle

Most women when experiencing a yeast infection, do so during their menstrual cycle before the menstruation period starts. It is during this time that the hormone estrogen, as well as sugars are at their highest levels. The production of progesterone induces the sugar levels to elevate, which can lead to a yeast infection.

What is menstruation?

Normally, an egg is released from the ovary and travels through the fallopian tubes where it will be fertilized by sperm. In the meantime, the uterus readies itself to receive a fertilized egg for implantation somewhere in the wall of the uterus. when the egg exits the fallopian tube and is not fertilized, the tissue that has been building up in the uterus, in anticipation of the fertilized egg, detaches and flows down the vaginal tract, resulting in the menstruation period.

Symptoms of the menstruation period during the menstrual cycle include:

• Backache


• Headache


• Tenderness in the breasts


• Bloated feeling


• Painful lower abdominal cramping


• Moderate to heavy vaginal bleeding


• Emotional upset, easily irritated


• Cravings for sweet foods, and foods that are salty


• Nausea and vomiting

Although yeast infections most always occur before the menstruation period begins, most women do not experience this. If a woman has a healthy immune system and has no other underlying causes, I fail to see where getting a yeast infection before the menstruation period is a normal occurrence. To the best of my knowledge it is not normal and should not be considered as such. Therefore, I do not consider vaginal infection a normal part of menstruation, and it does not belong as a symptom of menstruation.

The main symptoms of yeast infection during the menstrual cycle include:

• Thick, white/gray vaginal discharge


• Burning when urinating


• Pain during sexual intercourse


• Itching and burning in and around the vagina

Itching and burning in and around the vaginaaginal discharge is normal anytime during the menstrual cycle, However, when vaginal discharge becomes malodorous, and has a yellow or green color to it, then there is an infection present that needs medical attention.

If you are having symptoms of yeast infection during your menstrual cycle accompanied by symptoms of a yeast infection anytime during your menstruation period, contract your health care professional for a consultation.

by Barb Hicks, RN