Do yeast infections always seem to pop up right around your period? Well, you're not alone. Many people with periods experience this frustrating pattern, and understanding why it happens can help you manage and prevent cyclical yeast infections. 

Let's dive into why you might be getting a yeast infection during your period, and what you can do about it.

What is a yeast infection?

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus in the vagina. Most yeast infections are caused by a yeast called Candida albicans, specifically.

While yeast is naturally present in the vagina, it usually exists in balance with other bacteria, namely, healthy bacteria like Lactobacillus. However, when this normal balance is disrupted, yeast can grow excessively, leading to a yeast infection. Periods are one of the most common reasons why your vaginal flora may be disrupted (more on that below).

Yeast infection symptoms often include: 

How is a vaginal yeast infection linked to the menstrual cycle?

You might experience yeast infections during or after your period due to hormonal changes, fluctuations in vaginal pH, and shifting bacteria levels. These factors can create a perfect environment for yeast to grow.

  • Hormonal changes: Throughout your menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations can affect yeast growth in the vagina. Right before and during your period, estrogen levels are at their lowest, creating a less acidic environment that favors yeast growth. However, higher estrogen levels can also encourage the growth of Candida. Estrogen peaks twice during your cycle: around ovulation (mid-cycle) and again during the luteal phase, dropping just before your period. Estrogen helps yeasts to attach to the cells of the vaginal wall more easily.
  • Menstrual blood: Menstrual blood can also affect the pH balance of the vagina. During your period, the acidic environment of the vagina changes, making it more susceptible to yeast growth. Normally, the vagina has a slightly acidic pH (between 3.8-4.5), which helps to keep harmful bacteria and fungi in check. However, the vaginal pH can increase slightly during your period, making you more prone to vaginal infections. This happens because menstrual blood has a higher pH, which can disrupt the natural balance and allow yeast to thrive. Research also shows that levels of lactobacilli decrease during your period, which can further alter the vaginal pH and offer less protection against yeast overgrowth.  
  • Moisture and warmth: The presence of menstrual blood and the use of pads or tampons can create a warm, moist environment, which yeast loves. This can make it easier for yeast to grow and lead to an infection.
  • Immune system changes: Your body's immune system may be slightly weaker during your period, making it harder for your body to keep yeast levels in check.

This doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get a yeast infection every time you get your period, just that the changes happening inside your body (and vagina) at that time can become the perfect storm for Candida overgrowth. Other risk factors for yeast infections include:

  • Being sexually active (even though yeast infections aren't considered sexually transmitted infections)
  • Having high blood sugar (uncontrolled diabetes)
  • Being on birth control
  • Taking antibiotics
  • Having a weakened immune system (from autoimmune diseases and steroid use).
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Treating vaginal yeast infections during your period

The good news is that your period won’t make it harder to treat yeast infections. And if you do get a yeast infection while you’re on your period, you can treat it just as you would at any other point of your cycle. 

For mild yeast infections, your healthcare provider may prescribe a short course of vaginal antifungal medication in cream, ointment, or vaginal suppository. These medications often end in “-azole,” such as terconazole or miconazole. Alternatively, you may be given a single-dose oral medication fluconazole. 

For more severe or recurrent yeast infections, your doctor may recommend a longer course of treatment or different types of antifungal medications.

If the initial treatment doesn't work, or if your yeast infection isn't caused by Candida albicans, your doctor may suggest other medicines such as boric acid, nystatin, or flucytosine, which can be taken as a vaginal suppository. Despite what you may have read online, there's no evidence that home remedies like tea tree oil, coconut oil, or probiotic supplements can treat yeast infections.

FAQ

How do you treat a yeast infection while on your period?

If you get a yeast infection during your period, you can treat it just like you would at any other point of your cycle: with antifungals. These can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by your healthcare provider. 

Will my period flush out a yeast infection?

No, having your period will not "flush out" a yeast infection. A mild yeast infection might (rarely) clear up on its own, but most of the time, you will need to take antifungal medications to treat the infection.

Can pads cause a yeast infection?

While menstrual pads themselves don't directly cause yeast infections, they can create conditions that promote the growth of yeast if you don't change them frequently enough. Wearing pads for extended periods can lead to increased moisture and warmth in the vaginal area, providing an ideal environment for yeast to thrive. That said, they're perfectly safe to use and it's unlikely that they'll trigger a yeast infection unless you wear a pad for too long and you're very, very, very prone to them.