Thrush and B12

[Caradoc1a]

I'm almost 4 months into SI B12 EOD. Last week I got vaginal thrush the first time for over 20 years. I'm 69 and have minimal oestrogen replacement. No ovaries or womb. Have others experienced thrush?

[JanD236]

Yes post menopause I had recurrent thrush/cystitis.

My menopause specialist prescribed Vagifem oestrogen pessaries (2 x twice a week) and also suggested an over the counter vaginal probiotic pessary and I’m pleased to say I don’t suffer with either any longer.

I don’t think B12 was implicated.

[Caradoc1a in reply to JanD236]

Thanks. I also use oestrogen pessaries/ cream and 1 squirt of transdermol oestrogen a day. Please could you share the name of the vaginal probiotic, thanks. I'm using yoghurt at the mo'

[Nackapan]

I had oral thrush for the first time since B12 deficient .

[Caradoc1a in reply to Nackapan]

Interesting! I also had what I think was slight oral thrush last week as well. Mouthwash helped.

[pitney]

yes like you I had gone for about 30 years without thrush but then had 2 bouts + 1 bout of oral thrush all in the space of 3 months about 18 months ago, dont know if its a coincidence or not but I haven't had it again since going gluten and dairy free 🌻

[Caradoc1a in reply to pitney]

Interesting. I don't think it's the same for me as yoghurt really helps soothe.

[AlisCristea]

yes , when my B12 levels plunge, thrush is one of the symptoms. Every single time.

[Caradoc1a in reply to AlisCristea]

I had no idea about this aspect 🙄🫤 I've been doing more exercise in the last 2 weeks and forgot to inject for 4 days. That might be it!! Thank you.

[mountmuir27 in reply to Caradoc1a]

Bear in mind tight exercise clothing can trigger a vaginal yeast infection. If you wear tights make sure they are breathable and remove immediately after working out!

[Ghound in reply to AlisCristea]

I suffered from thrush for years until I was finally diagnosed with B12 deficiency and adequately treated ( self injecting )

Haven't had it since- touch wood !

[JHEW0836]

I had oral thrush as well when my B12 level was low. I no longer have it. I have not heard of vaginal thrush. Is this the same as a yeast infection?

[Caradoc1a in reply to JHEW0836]

Yes, just not in the mouth!

[Hockey_player]

It's a very common problem for women. It's the reason why we wipe front to back and drop. It's very uncomfortable! I googled it and it says: Vaginal yeast infection affects most people assigned female at birth at some point in life. Canestan is what is used here for it and is sold over the counter.

[Caradoc1a in reply to Hockey_player]

I used to get it a lot but not since I went through rapid menopause with total hysterectomy- 18 years ago

[BirdlessBox]

I don't know how much B12 deficiency or menopause contribute to getting thrush, but I have been battling systemic thrush since high dose antibiotics in my early 20's. I do not think vaginal thrush is an isolated eruption, it is probably systemic to some degree for everyone. Once you gut flora is out of balance certain things will push you into a problem; these are mainly SUGAR, constipation and more antibiotics. To alleviate this, give up sugar, take a good probiotic, avoid antibiotics unless necessary, keep your bowels moving. There is probably more you can do but these I have found fundamental.

[Caradoc1a in reply to BirdlessBox]

I haven't had it for over 20 years. I've had 5 lots of antibiotics in the last year for ongoing ear infection, but last lot were in December. I make my own kefir, eat vast amounts of yoghurt and eat little sugar. I make sure bowels are good due to having diverticular disease. Although having low thyroid for past 12 months has presented a challenge! In terms of recently altered variables, can only think of slight increase in thyroids meds and my glitch in B12 injections with increased exercise. I'll probably never know.

[BirdlessBox in reply to Caradoc1a]

It is really difficult working out where root causes lie. Sounds like you have a good understanding of how to take care of yourself. There may be many things that can contribute that I'm not aware of. I would say though, from my experience with antibiotics, that 5 courses is significant and December is not that long ago. I have never fully recovered my gut flora from the insults of over 40 years ago, though I knew a woman who got rid of systemic candida when she caught dysentery in India. I'd be interested to know how you make progress with.

[Caradoc1a in reply to BirdlessBox]

I think you're right about the impact of a progressive series of ABs.

[Caradoc1a in reply to BirdlessBox]

It came back again yesterday with a vengeance. The past 2 days I felt better and then about 2pm it started again. Off to GP today.

[BirdlessBox in reply to Caradoc1a]

I'm sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. When I was trying to get on top of it, and still when it plays up, it's a zero sugar situation, and no fruit. Personally, I would probably do some purges to reduce the overgrowth, and get a variety of probiotics and take 2 or 3 or more a day. I know they have fungicides you can take now but a friend had a bad rebound in her candida after taking it, not sure why. I hope the Dr has been helpful.

[Caradoc1a in reply to BirdlessBox]

Thank you!