Welcome to Balance Women's Healthcare

Welcome to Balance Women’s Healthcare

Let’s Talk Lady Bits!

I am sitting here on a Saturday night doing something I've been thinking about for a long time - starting a blog. I recently heard a quote that hit me: "Action cures fear." So, here I am  - feeling the fear and doing it scared. Welcome to this space.

For 14 years, I've been working in a women's health clinic, listening to my amazing patients ask all sorts of questions about their bodies - questions that so many of us have but don't always want to talk about.

This blog is for you—women that want answers ... I'm here for you with real, honest answers. No judgment, just straightforward info (with a little humor, because let’s be real, talking about our Ladybits shouldn’t be awkward).

Let’s kick things off with a classic:

Why Do I Get a Yeast Infection Every Month Before My Period?

Yep. We're going there.

You’re going about your life when—ugh—about a week before your period, your downstairs situation turns into a monthly hot mess express  - complete with itching, irritation and a weird "this better not be a yeast infection" vibe, only to magically disappear with your period.

What's the deal? 

Blame Your Hormones

Right before your period, estrogen levels drop, like a bad stock market investment, that shift can throw off the balance of bacteria and yeast in your vagina (microbiome). Basically your body is throwing a hormonal tantrum. The result? Symptoms that feel like a yeast infection (or even a UTI), but might not actually be one. Once estrogen rises again with your period, everything settles back down.

What Can You Do?

✔️ Vaginal estrogen (secret weapon) during the two weeks before your period can help keep things balanced. Small amount can make a big difference.
✔️ Silicone-based lubricant during this low estrogen phase, is better than water-based lube, which can dry things out.
✔️ Vaginal moisturizers—yes, that's a thing ... they exist, and they can help!
✔️ Less is more—your vagina is self-cleaning, so skip the douching, scented washes, or scrubbing. Mild soap (or just warm water) on the external bits (vulva and vestibule) is plenty.
✔️ Be careful with OTC yeast treatments—if it’s not a true infection, they can make things worse.

Lets talk about the things no one talks about - because understanding your body is empowering.

Balance Women’s Healthcare is all about helping you understand your body, so if there’s something you’ve been wondering about, let me know!

STAY BALANCED, STAY INFORMED and TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Andrea -Women's Health Nurse Practitioner