Your vagina has a microbiome.
Spoiler: your vaginal microbiome is more important than you think.
There’s an entire ecosystem of bacteria working behind the scenes to help maintain vaginal health, comfort, odor, balance, and protection against infection.
And ideally? Lactobacillus is running the show.
What Is Lactobacillus?
Lactobacillus is the dominant “good bacteria” found in a healthy vaginal microbiome. Its main job is producing lactic acid, which helps maintain an acidic vaginal pH, typically between 3.8 and 4.5. Often higher (4.5+) for menopausal women not using estrogen!
That acidic environment matters because it helps prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast.
When Lactobacillus levels are thriving, your vagina is more likely to feel:
- Comfortable
- Balanced
- Free from unusual odor or irritation
What Is Gardnerella?
Gardnerella vaginalis is a bacteria commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), one of the most common vaginal imbalances women experience.
When Lactobacillus levels drop, Gardnerella can multiply more easily and disrupt the vaginal microbiome.
This imbalance may lead to symptoms like:
- Fishy odor
- Thin gray or white discharge
- Irritation
- Burning
- Vaginal discomfort
AKA that unmistakable “something feels off” feeling.
Not every woman with an overgrowth of Gardnerella will experience symptoms, but when the vaginal microbiome becomes unbalanced, your body usually lets you know.
What Throws Off the Vaginal Microbiome?
A healthy vaginal microbiome is dynamic, meaning it changes throughout your life.
Several factors can disrupt the balance between Lactobacillus and harmful bacteria like Gardnerella, including:
- Menopause and hormonal shifts
- Antibiotics
- Stress
- Sexual activity
- Harsh soaps or scented washes
- Over-cleansing
- Vaginal dryness
- Changes in estrogen levels
- And more!
This is especially common during perimenopause and menopause, when declining estrogen levels can lead to reduced Lactobacillus populations and increased vaginal pH.
Translation: less protective bacteria, more likely irritation and imbalance.
How to Support a Healthy Vaginal Microbiome
Supporting your vaginal microbiome starts with treating your vagina like the intelligent ecosystem it is.
That means:
- Avoiding harsh cleansers and fragrances
- Choosing microbiome-safe vaginal care
- Supporting hydration during menopause
- Only using products designed specifically for vaginal tissue and microbiome health like Alubri Vaginal Moisturizing Gel.
At Alubri, we believe vaginal wellness should work with your body, not against it. Our clinically tested, gynecologist co-developed formulas are designed to support balance, hydration, and microbiome health through every stage of life.
Because vaginal care should support your microbiome, not fight it.
