Moira Bradfield Strydom - Microbiome Matters: Exploring the Vaginal Ecosystem and its Influences

In this episode, we sit down with Moira Bradfield Strydom, a naturopath and founder of Intimate Ecology, to discuss vaginal health. With a PhD focused on recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (thrush) and the effects of fluconazole oral therapy on both the vaginal and digestive microbiomes and over 20 years of clinical experience, Moira brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. We discuss what constitutes a healthy vaginal microbiome and explore the numerous factors that can disrupt its balance, including, lifestyle habits, diet, the menstrual cycle, and menopause. Moira also sheds light on lesser-known contributors like histamine, offering practical advice on maintaining microbiome health for optimal patient outcomes. Bio: Dr. Moira Bradfield Strydom (PhD, B.Nat, M. Acu) is a clinical Naturopath with over 20 years in practice. She has taught in both higher education and private sector holistic education for over 15 years. She runs a busy genitourinary focussed virtual practice in Australia called Intimate Ecology and also offers mentoring and group education with a unique focus on genitourinary health.  Moira completed a PhD at Griffith University in 2023, focussing on a clinical intervention for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) in addition to exploring patient experiences and mapping the impact of fluconazole on the fungal and bacterial microbiome (gut and vagina).  Moira's extensive experience and practical teaching style allows her to bring a new depth of understanding to an important aspect of holistic healthcare. Lessons that convert to effective clinical care. You can find out more about Moira and her services at www.intimateecology.com.au https://www.instagram.com/intimateecology/?hl=en @intimateecology