Causes of Yeast Infection, Health Effects, and Remedies

Q: Do bio-identical estrogen and progesterone, or other medicines, contribute to Candidiasis (yeast infection)? - Fibromyalgia Patient

A: Candidiasis is an infection caused by the yeast Candida. Normally Candida is present in “friendly” concentrations in the intestines and is helpful in the metabolism of nutrients and maintenance of a healthy intestinal environment. In some situations, the yeast can overgrow and become a more nasty fungus which can cause symptoms such as itching, skin rashes, white spots in the mouth, and fatigue.

The overgrown Candida secretes toxins that travel to different parts of the body and can cause symptoms, and the fungus can grow out tentacles called hyphae, which can actually puncture the intestines and cause a syndrome called leaky gut syndrome (with pain, diarrhea and bloating).

People with fibromyalgia are more prone to developing Candidiasis, but there are other factors that increase the risk.

• The most common ones include medications such as antibiotics that destroy friendly bacteria and Lactobacillus but do not bother the Candida, and thus allow the Candida to overgrow.

• Prednisone, thyroid medicine, and even hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can also increase the risk of Candidiasis.

• If Candidiasis develops, there are treatments including antibiotics specifically for Candida (Diflucan and Nystatin).

• Certain yeast diets are available,*

• And probiotic supplements of Lactobacillus can help balance out the normal yeast population in the intestines.

Your doctor can also work with you on what may have caused the Candidiasis and if it’s related to medicines, whether the medicines need to be adjusted or discontinued, or simply continue the medicines but also treat and control the Candidiasis.

- Dr. Mark J Pellegrino, MD

* For a wealth of information on yeast infection causes, symptoms, testing, probiotic strategies, and anti-yeast/weight loss diet, see “Candidiasis – Yeast Infection and Nutritional Repair,” excerpted from Dr. Pellegrino’s highly recommended book, Fibromyalgia: Up Close and Personal.
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Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is generic and is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any condition, illness, or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.