Fw: WHA Health Flash #150: Yeast

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Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2002 10:32 PM

Subject: WHA Health Flash #150: Yeast

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===========================================================Dear Friends: Yeasts are microscopic organisms (fungi) that are normally found on the skin and in the intestinal tract, mouth, and vagina. Yeast is a normal part of the human body and has many functions, including protecting us from harmful bacteria in our digestive tract. Normally our bodies naturally keep the growth of yeast in check, however, under certain conditions; yeast can multiply and grow beyond the ability of the body to control it. When this happens it is called a yeast infection, or candidiasis.Not Just a “Female Problem”:While yeast infections are more common among women, with as many as 75 percent of women contracting at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime, it is also an issue that affects men and children. Yeast infections may take many forms including:

Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth and throat. It affects infants, young children, and the elderly most often, but can occur at any age. Moniliasis is a painful yeast infection of the vagina that most commonly occurs during pregnancy or antibiotic treatment. Balanitis is a yeast infection of the head of the penis. It may cause redness, a rash, or a discharge, as well as itching. It is more common in uncircumcised men. Intertrigo is a yeast infection that causes inflammation in areas where skin folds. It usually occurs on the skin under the breast or belly, in the armpit, or the inner thighs. In rare cases yeast can invade the blood stream and infect internal organs causing serious systemic complications. What Causes Yeast Infections?Yeast infections can occur when we are weakened by illness or stress. Yeast infections of the skin are more common in the obese because they may have deeper body folds where moisture can collect. People who wash a lot of dishes by hand and children who suck their thumbs are also more prone to skin infections. Diabetics, in particular, are more likely to suffer from yeast infections due to higher levels of sugar in their urine and blood, as well as a lower resistance to infection, which combine to encourage overgrowth of yeast. Medications and disorders that weaken the immune system such as immunosuppressant drugs and AIDS, weaken the body’s resistance and may lead to more serious yeast infections. Antibiotic use can destroy the friendly bacteria that grow in our bodies and naturally control yeast growth, leaving the door open for yeast overgrowth. Hormones and Yeast: While some experts and medical texts note that hormone replacement therapy, in particular estrogen replacement, can promote yeast overgrowth, others are expressing the belief that it is an imbalance of hormones that leads to yeast infections. It is believed that an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone can negatively affect the friendly bacteria, destroying them and allowing yeast to grow uncontrolled. Additionally, under stress our bodies release the hormone cortisol. Cortisol can inhibit immune system functioning and raise the body’s blood sugar, paving the way for yeast growth. Preventive Measures: There are steps you can take to minimize your risk of developing a yeast infection.

Consider home hormone saliva testing through Women's Health America, Inc. to easily measure the levels of your active hormones and help you and your physician determine if there is an imbalance that can be corrected using NHRT (natural hormone replacement therapy) from our pharmacy.

Dry thoroughly after showers, baths, or swimming. Change from a wet swimsuit or damp exercise clothing as soon as possible. Wear cotton underwear, and avoid clothing that is tight fitting or doesn’t “breathe,” such as panty hose. Don’t use chemical products like deodorant tampons, vaginal deodorants, or scented menstrual pads. Don’t douche unless instructed to by your health care provider. Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Abstain from sexual intercourse when you have symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection and during the time you are being treated. In rare cases yeast infections have been transmitted to sexual partners. Additionally, some treatments can temporarily weaken the effectiveness of some birth control methods, such as vaginal spermicides, condoms, and diaphragms.

Treatment:If you believe you have a yeast infection it is important not to try to diagnose or treat it yourself as other conditions such as a bacterial infection could actually be the cause of your symptoms. Notify your health care provider and let her or him help you determine what testing and treatment is appropriate. At times, physicians will allow patients who have had yeast infections diagnosed in the past, and who are having identical symptoms, to self-treat with over-the-counter antifungal products like Monistat, Gyne-Lotrimin, and Vagistat. Check with your health care provider to see if this is an option for you. However, it is important to remember that people who have had several reoccurring yeast infections within a year should let their health care provider know, as this can indicate there is an underlying condition promoting yeast overgrowth that needs to be diagnosed and treated. You should also consult your health care provider promptly if you believe you have a yeast infection and are pregnant, HIV positive, or have had chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Recommended Reading:The Yeast Connection Handbook, by G. Crook, M.D., $14.95. To order, call 1-800-558-7046 toll-free.Recommended Products:Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories have been studied recently in 92 women with chronic vaginal yeast infection and were shown to eliminate their vaginal infection. Boric Acid suppositories are available by prescription from Madison Pharmacy Associates/Women’s Health America.Florajen Acidophilus 16 billion live bacteria in each capsule. After antibiotic therapy, oral contraceptives, hormonal changes or chronic yeast infections, the “friendly” acidophilus can restore balance to your system. Extensively studied and recommended by health professionals throughout the world.

New Education Service from Women's Health America!Sign up for our new free six-week course on PMS, Perimenopause, or Menopause. Visit our website at http://www.womenshealth.com/minicourses.html and subscribe today!HORMONE LEVEL TESTING As the ability to measure and monitor hormones becomes more precise, women and their providers have the option of testing hormone levels to determine if there is a hormone deficiency, and to assess dosage requirements.To determine if you are a candidate for natural hormone replacement therapy, Women’s Health America provides saliva testing for hormone level monitoring. Visit our website at www.womenshealth.com for more information about BioBalance and RestoreSM Clinical Services. If you are a health professional, please contact us at 1-800-558-7046 for information about referring patients to our programs. We encourage you to visit our updated website on PMS that includes symptom evaluation, easy-to-read information about PMS, and treatment options at http://www.womenshealth.com/gma/pmsgma.html To your good health, Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph. Women's Health America 1289 Deming WayMadison, Wi 53717 www.womenshealth.com 1-800-558-7046 toll-free voice number 1-888-898-7412 fax Disclaimer This information is provided for educational use only and is not intended for diagnostic purposes. Please consult with your health care provider for further information. 1. The archives for past issues of the Health Flash are at www.womenshealth.com/hf_archive.html 2. We encourage your comments on the content of the Health Flash. In particular, if you have a topicthat you would like us to address, please let us know by sending an email towha@... , or you can complete our feedback form on our website atwww.womenshealth.com/formwhaemail.html 3. If you have questions on any topic concerning women's health, please feel free to contact us at theemail or website address shown in item 2. Questions that might benefit all of our subscribers may beincluded anonymously in one of our Health Flash Letters. To unsubscribe, send a blank email to: womenshealth-unsubscribe@... © Women's Health America, Inc. ============================================================

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