Can a Yeast Infection Delay Your Period or Affect It in Any Way?

Knowing that you are far from being alone might be helpful if you are struggling with a vaginal yeast infection (also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis).  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 75% of women will get infected at least once. 

Therefore, this is a common problem that will eventually affect most women.  In addition, if your period is also late, you could start to question if there is a connection between the two.

However, no scientific evidence supports a yeast infection delaying your period.

On the other hand, the timing of your menstrual cycle can be connected to your yeast infection. Here, we shall explore this further. 

Table of Contents

What Is a Yeast Infection?

A normal healthy vagina contains a balance of yeast and bacteria.   Yeast infections in the vagina are common when there is a shift in the usual vaginal flora or pH in the vaginal environment, which can lead to yeast overgrowth.

Symptoms of an overgrowth of the fungus Candida that manifests in the vagina and the vulva include irritation, a discharge that looks like white cottage cheese, swelling, and acute itching.

Can a Yeast Infection Stop or Delay Your Period?

If you had a yeast infection and then had a late period, it is likely that the two things were unrelated and happened simultaneously. There is no evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that a yeast infection can cause your period to be delayed.

Yet, it is likely that the high estrogen levels in the days before a woman’s period can make it easier for candida to grow, which can throw off the balance of yeasts and bacteria that normally live together in a healthy vagina. This condition is referred to as “candida overgrowth.” This helps to explain why certain women can be more susceptible to getting a yeast infection at different stages in their menstrual cycle. 

Can a Yeast Infection Affect Your Period at All?

If you have your period while you have a yeast infection, it could cause you a great deal of discomfort. The vaginal pH shifts as a result of the hormonal changes that are caused by periods. These variations might be uncomfortable. In these kinds of situations, a yeast infection could become worse.

Moreover, yeast infections are known to spread more rapidly in environments that contain an excessive amount of moisture. It could be difficult to maintain a dry vaginal environment when you are experiencing your period. As you change your sanitary pad, you will need to make sure that you wash your hands properly. In addition to this, the circulation of blood helps to keep the area moist. An infection caused by yeast around this time of the month can therefore make it significantly more unpleasant and difficult to control. Yet, following stringent hygiene procedures can assist you in coping with it to a certain degree.

Using antifungal lotions directly on the affected area is one of the most effective treatments for yeast infections that can occur in the vaginal area. Although this is typically a non-painful and uncomplicated process, there are times when the local application of the drug may end up being a messy ordeal. In addition to that, it could cause some discomfort as well. Yeast infections can also be treated with drugs that are taken internally; however, these medicines are notorious for their delayed reaction time.

Could a Yeast Infection Affect Your Menstrual Discharge?

Yeast infections cause a discharge from the vagina that is thick and white in color and can resemble cottage cheese in appearance. The discharge may also be watery and typically does not have any odor. The vagina and vulva will typically become itchy and red when there is an infection caused by yeast.

What Can Cause a Missed Period?

There are many things besides pregnancy that can cause a woman’s period to be late or skipped entirely. Hormonal problems and health problems are two of the most common reasons why women don’t get their periods.

Stress 

Stress is one of the most typical explanations for a missed period. A hormonal imbalance can be the result of stress, and stress can even have an effect on the hypothalamus, which is the region of the brain that helps regulate periods. Moreover, stress can contribute to weight loss or increase, as well as other ailments; all of these things have the potential to disrupt your cycle. Traveling, troubles at work or in personal relationships, mental or emotional challenges, worries about money, and other life events can all contribute to feelings of stress. 

Low Body Weight

A possible additional cause of a missed period is a low body weight. There is a possibility that menstruation will not occur for individuals who suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Because of the changes in hormone levels that occur, you may cease ovulating if your body weight is too low. There is a possibility that female athletes who take part in certain types of intense exercise, such as marathons, would miss their periods.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

This is a condition in which your body produces more of the male hormone androgen than normal. PCOS is also known as polycystic ovary disease. Because of this hormonal imbalance, ovulation either ceases or becomes irregular, and arrested follicles (also known as cysts) grow in the ovaries. This prevents the ovaries from producing an egg. Because of this, the period will not be received. PCOS can also cause disturbances in the levels of other hormones, such as insulin, in addition to androgens.

Birth Control

Alterations in your menstrual cycle may result from discontinuing or initiating the use of birth control. Progesterone and estrogen are the hormones found in birth control, and they are responsible for preventing the ovaries from producing eggs. After discontinuing or initiating the use of birth control pills, it is expected that your menstrual cycle will return to normal within three months. Other forms of hormonal contraceptives, such as those that are injected or implanted, are also capable of causing a woman to not have her period.

Problems With the Thyroid

Irregular periods can also be caused by an underactive or hyperactive thyroid gland. Because the thyroid gland is responsible for regulating your body’s metabolism, problems with the thyroid gland can also alter hormone levels, which can cause you to go without a period.

Perimenopause 

The menopause typically starts anywhere between the ages of 45 and 55 for most women. It is referred to as early perimenopause if the first signs of menopause appear in a woman before the age of 40. If you have early perimenopause, your egg supply is beginning to decrease. It is possible that this could cause you to skip your period and finally stop having periods altogether. 

How Can DrHouse Help You?

DrHouse offers a safe, convenient, and affordable on-demand telehealth service that provides access to healthcare providers 24/7.

Our board-certified online doctors, who have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all kinds of diseases, can help you with your missed period, yeast infections, or any other concerns.

With DrHouse, you can get the advice, and treatment you need from the comfort of your own home. Plus, our doctors are always there to answer any questions you may have.

FAQ

Can a Yeast Infection Cause a Missed Period?

In a nutshell, no, a yeast infection can not cause a missed period. They are, however, more likely to happen just before your period. If you have missed a period, there could be any number of reasons, including pregnancy, birth control, perimenopause, low body weight, stress, and thyroid issues.

Could a Yeast Infection Medication Affect Your Period?

No, the medication to take for a yeast infection should not affect your period. In the event that the infection is internal and the yeast medication cannot be taken orally, or if a vaginal suppository in addition to the pill has been prescribed, it is recommended that the medication be used in the evenings. Cotton pads can be used as a form of menstruation protection rather than tampons or cups since they offer protection while still allowing the bottom end to breathe. Tampons and cups are not suggested for use in this scenario.

How Much of a Delay in Periods Is Normal?

The number of days between the first day of one period and the first day of the following period can be used to approximate the length of a woman’s menstrual cycle. The average length of time between periods is between 21 and 35 days. If your periods fall anywhere within this window, then there is probably nothing wrong with you, and there is no need for concern.

Key Takeaways

  • There is no evidence to support yeast infections being a cause of a late or missed period.
  • It is more common for yeast infections to occur shortly before a period due to increased estrogen levels.
  • A ‘normal’ menstrual cycle is between 21 and 35 days
  • Yeast infection medication should not affect periods
  • It is not advised to use tampons or menstrual cups if you are experiencing thrush while on your period
  • There are many things that can delay a period, such as pregnancy, perimenopause, thyroid issues, stress, low body weight, and birth control.
  • If your period is late, and this is unusual for you, it is important to seek medical advice. 

Sources:

Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.

Always consult with your physician or other qualified health providers about medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on what you read on this website.

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