The Hormone Cafe

In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, dives into one of the most important (and often ignored) topics in women’s health: vaginal health.

She explains why your vaginal microbiome matters for fertility, hormones, and everyday comfort—and what it means when something feels “off.” From dryness, odor, and discharge to recurrent infections and spotting, Dr. Sarah breaks down what’s normal, what’s not, and when to get tested.

You’ll learn how vaginal health connects to your hormones, gut, and fertility—and how to support your microbiome naturally through the right testing, treatments, and habits.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

💡 Why Vaginal Health Matters

• The vagina is connected to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and even your abdomen—meaning vaginal health impacts your whole reproductive system.
• A balanced vaginal microbiome supports fertility, pregnancy, and hormone health.

🔍 Common Signs Your Vaginal Health Is Off

• Dryness or pain during intercourse
• Too much or too little cervical mucus
• Itching or discomfort (inside or outside)
• Odor or changes in smell—especially during your period
• Spotting or bleeding between cycles or after sex
• Recurrent miscarriage or fertility struggles

🧫 Testing the Vaginal Microbiome

• Dr. Sarah uses comprehensive vaginal swabs that test 25+ species, compared to standard OB-GYN tests that only check 1–2.
• Common findings: bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast species, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, and Prevotella (which can form biofilms).
• Testing can be done in-clinic or at home for convenience.

⚕️ Treatment & Retesting

• Oral or vaginal antibiotics (when appropriate)
• Probiotics and boric acid to restore balance
• Retesting is essential to confirm infections are cleared
• Treating both partners is critical—many bacteria are shared
• New studies show men should be treated for BV-related infections too
  

🌿 Holistic & Lifestyle Support

• Avoid harsh soaps, douching, or inserting unapproved substances (like yogurt or oils)
• Use pH-balanced lubricants (Dr. Sarah recommends Refresh pH Gel)
• Maintain balanced estrogen for healthy vaginal tissue
• Cut back on sugar and refined carbs to prevent yeast overgrowth
• Support gut health—gut and vaginal microbiomes are connected
  

🚩 When to Get Tested

• Unexplained spotting, itching, odor, or discomfort
• Difficulty conceiving after 3+ months
• History of miscarriage
• Recurrent yeast or BV infections
  

Key Takeaways:

• Your vaginal microbiome affects fertility, hormones, and everyday comfort.
• BV, yeast, and other infections can exist without obvious symptoms.
• Always retest after treatment to ensure full healing.
• Vaginal health starts with testing, treating both partners, and supporting balance holistically.
• A healthy vagina = one you never have to think about.