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Hormone Imbalance and Yeast Infections
By Miriam Brazel
Author of Hormone Imbalance, The Mysterious Illness
A woman who had been helped with her hormone imbalance symptoms by using natural progesterone cream told me she seemed to be having a relapse of her acne. I began reading a book by William Crook, M.D., THE YEAST CONNECTION AND THE WOMAN, and was fascinated, by what I read.
I learned first of all that many of the symptoms of hormone imbalance are the very same symptoms that have been identified as caused by yeast organisms -- specifically Candida albicans. There has been research into this ailment in recent years, but as with hormone imbalance, many in the medical profession are uninterested in checking out causes for common illnesses. They choose to treat symptoms, instead.
Yeast infections get a foothold in the body when antibiotics are used which kill not only bad bacteria, but also kill the “friendly” bacteria in our system which keep yeasts at a manageable level for our immune system. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are the biggest culprits. These include tetracycline,ampicillin, amoxicillin, septra, and other medications commonly used for ear infections, sore throats, bladder infections, or acne.
Of particular interest to me was the section that taught that if yeast is the problem, using progesterone, even natural progesterone, can cause hormone imbalance symptoms to become worse! This, I believe, is very important information to add to any study of the use of natural progesterone. The reason for the worsening of symptoms is because progesterone has an influence on yeast growth. All this has something to do with hormone and acidity levels at the time of month when a woman is fertile.
Since yeast overgrowth is a problem in men, children, and babies, as well as in women, --- a closer look at this problem needs to be taken. While the use of broad spectrum antibiotics is definitely a factor in yeast overgrowth, the use of foods containing sugar also play a part in this illness.
There is help for anyone of any age who is suffering from an illness stemming from yeast overgrowth. This help is the use of a diet free from sugar and if one must use antibiotics for a bacterial infection,-- acidophilus, yogurt, or something else must be taken to restore the “friendly” bacteria in the intestinal tract, and stop the overgrowth of yeast in the body.
When this yeast-fungus passes through the wall of the intestine into the bloodstream, and is carried throughout the body, many systems become involved, including the brain. Irritability, anger, forgetfulness, depression, lack of interest in sex, and many other problems controlled by the brain begin to show up. Yeast overgrowth also damages the immune system, paving the way for many illnesses!!
When intercourse is painful, there is an inability to achieve orgasm, or a lack of interest in sex, yeast overgrowth should be suspected. When either a husband or wife is treated for yeast overgrowth, the other mate should be treated also, as yeast infections are passed back and forth between sexual partners. Often the husband has no visible symptoms.
Older women who have not used antibiotics for infections except occasionally, are not bothered with vaginal yeast infections nearly as often as the younger generation who have been given antibiotics for illnesses from babyhood on. When a woman gets a yeast infection, usually only the local area is treated. Many doctors don’t seem to realize that the infection is probably caused by an overgrowth of yeast throughout the system.
When a body’s immune system has been weakened by an overgrowth of yeast-fungus, it cannot adequately cope with either bacterial infections, viral infections, more fungus, or stress of any kind. The brain may be the first thing to react. It may shut down breathing, or cause impaired thinking. Hyperactivity is often the first thing noticed in children who are experiencing allergy problems. A stuffy or runny nose may be the body saying it has an overload of things. It cannot handle any more.
When a baby has recurring diaper rash or ear infections, suspect yeast. A baby can contract a yeast infection as it passes through the birth canal of an infected mother.
When a child is diagnosed with attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, always check the possibility of yeast before using a drug, such as Ritalin, with it’s many side effects.
Considering all the many illnesses, some very serious, caused by yeast and fungus overgrowth in the human body, it seems that this illness should be given more attention by the medical profession. Perhaps I should say that we, the patient, should be more alert, and give more attention to the symptoms of yeast overgrowth.
Illnesses Caused or Made Worse by Yeast Overgrowth
immune system dysfunction, adrenal dysfunction, HORMONE IMBALANCE, digestive tract problems, thrush, diarrhea and constipation, colitis, abdominal pain, heartburn, canker sores, bloating, belching, flatulence, bad breath, dry mouth and throat, throat infections, food allergies, sugar cravings, crohn’s disease, psoriasis, rashes, hives, eczema, acne, asthma, allergic to smoke, sensitivity to odors, sensitivity to chemicals, sinus infections, ear infections, itching or pain in ears, headaches, night cough, nasal congestion or itching, muscle pain or weakness, joint pain, insomnia, low body temperature, athletes foot, tightness in chest, shortness of breath, attention deficit disorder, adult attention deficit disorder, hyperactive, persistent drowsiness, eye and visual problems, mood swings, lack of coordination, loss of balance, nymphomania, endometriosis, vaginal yeast infections, vulvodynia (burning vulva), sexual dysfunction, infertility, inability to reach orgasm, painful intercourse, disinterest in sex, vulvovaginitis, menstrual cramps, galactorrhea, impotence, jock itch, balanoprosthitis, prostatitis, urinary frequency, kidney and bladder infections, cystitis, hemorrhoids, depression, poor concentration, forgetfulness, anger, irritability, manic depression, meningitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, autism, multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, vitamin and mineral deficiency, PMS, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, swelling in hands, feet, or face.