What are Yeast Infection symptoms?

Why Yeast Infection Symptoms Need a New Approach

Yeast infections are often seen as minor, recurring annoyances. But at Patients Medical in New York City, we see them as signs of deeper imbalances—in gut health, immunity, hormones, or lifestyle. Our integrative approach blends conventional, functional, and holistic medicine to uncover and treat the root causes of chronic or recurring yeast infections—offering lasting relief and prevention.

We don’t just treat itching. We treat what’s feeding the yeast.

What Is a Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection (candidiasis) is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, most commonly Candida albicans. While Candida naturally lives on the skin and in the gut and vaginal flora, certain factors can trigger overgrowth and cause symptoms.

There are different types of yeast infections, including:

  • Vaginal Yeast Infections – the most common form in women
  • Oral Thrush – fungal overgrowth in the mouth
  • Skin Yeast Infections – in warm, moist body folds
  • Gut Candida Overgrowth – linked to leaky gut, fatigue, and bloating
  • Systemic Candidiasis – rare but serious infection in the bloodstream (more common in immunocompromised individuals)

Common Symptoms of Yeast Infections

Yeast overgrowth presents differently depending on the affected area. Common symptoms include:

Vaginal Candidiasis:
  • Intense itching or burning
  • Thick, white vaginal discharge (like cottage cheese)
  • Redness or swelling of the vulva
  • Pain during urination or intercourse
Oral Thrush:
  • White patches on tongue, cheeks, or throat
  • Redness, soreness, or cracks at mouth corners
  • Difficulty swallowing
Skin Yeast Infections:
  • Red, itchy rash in skin folds (armpits, groin, under breasts)
  • Burning or discomfort
  • Small red bumps or pustules
Intestinal Candida:
  • Gas and bloating
  • Cravings for sugar or carbs
  • Brain fog or fatigue
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Skin issues (eczema, rashes)

If these symptoms persist or recur, it may signal a systemic imbalance, not just a surface infection.

Root Causes: Why Do You Keep Getting Yeast Infections?

Functional medicine looks at what’s feeding the yeast. Some common root causes include:

  • Antibiotic overuse – kills healthy gut and vaginal flora
  • High-sugar or high-carb diet – fuels yeast growth
  • Oral contraceptives or hormone therapy – alters hormone balance and pH
  • Weakened immune system – chronic stress, illness, or autoimmune issues
  • Leaky gut or dysbiosis – allows candida to proliferate systemically
  • Toxin buildup – from mold exposure, heavy metals, or liver congestion
  • Poor hygiene or tight clothing – creates warm, moist environments

At Patients Medical, we identify and correct these imbalances to help prevent recurrence naturally.

 

Diagnostic Testing We Use

We use targeted labs to detect candida overgrowth and its root drivers:

Stool analysis for Candida, microbiome diversity, and leaky gut

Vaginal swab cultures (for recurrent vaginal yeast)

Organic acid testing (OAT) for fungal byproducts

Blood antibody testing (IgG, IgA, IgM to Candida)

Nutritional panels (zinc, vitamin D, selenium)

Hormone panels (estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid)

Mycotoxin and mold exposure testing

Comprehensive gut health profiles

Integrative Treatments for Yeast Infection Symptoms

Nutritional Therapy

We create personalized anti-candida diet plans to starve yeast and support immune health:

  • Eliminate sugar, refined carbs, and alcohol
  • Emphasize non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats
  • Incorporate antifungal foods like garlic, coconut oil, oregano
  • Use temporary elimination diets to identify food sensitivities

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

We may recommend supplements such as:
  • Caprylic Acid – disrupts yeast cell walls
  • Berberine – broad-spectrum antifungal and gut rebalance
  • Oil of Oregano – potent natural antifungal
  • Probiotics – restore gut flora and vaginal pH
  • N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) – biofilm disruptor
  • Saccharomyces boulardii – a probiotic yeast that outcompetes Candida
All supplements are dosed, monitored, and adjusted by a physician.

IV Vitamin Therapy

Intravenous nutrient support may include:

  • High-dose Vitamin C for immune defense
  • Glutathione for detoxification
  • Magnesium, B vitamins for energy and gut repair

Hormone Balancing

Estrogen dominance or thyroid dysfunction can worsen yeast susceptibility. We use natural hormone balancing therapies to restore harmony.

Gut Healing Protocols

We address leaky gut, SIBO, and dysbiosis with:

  • Gut repair nutrients (L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, aloe)
  • Antifungal herbs and biofilm disruptors
  • Microbiome restoration protocols

Real Case Study: Emma’s Candida Comeback

Emma, age 34, had struggled with monthly vaginal yeast infections for over a year. OTC treatments worked temporarily, but symptoms always returned. She also reported bloating, brain fog, and sugar cravings.

Comprehensive testing showed:

  • Candida albicans overgrowth
  • Leaky gut and low beneficial bacteria
  • Estrogen dominance
  • Elevated cortisol levels

We created a 10-week protocol that included:

  • Anti-candida meal plan with probiotics and berberine
  • Stress-reducing adaptogens and hormone balancing herbs
  • Gut repair with glutamine and Saccharomyces boulardii
  • IV vitamin C and magnesium weekly

By week 6, her symptoms were gone. Three months later, her cycle was regular, energy was restored, and she was yeast-free.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Mild cases may resolve naturally, but persistent infections often need dietary and immune support to fully clear.

Common root causes include antibiotic use, high-sugar diets, hormonal imbalances, and gut dysbiosis.

They may offer temporary relief, but without addressing root causes, infections often return.

Yes. Men can develop yeast infections in the mouth (thrush), groin, or on the skin—especially with poor hygiene or antibiotic use.

Yes. Antifungal herbs, probiotics, dietary changes, and stress reduction can be highly effective when used properly.

We use vaginal swabs, stool tests, blood panels, and organic acid tests to identify yeast overgrowth and related imbalances.

Absolutely. Sugar, alcohol, and refined carbs feed Candida, while whole foods and antifungal nutrients help starve it.

Yes. Estrogen dominance, thyroid issues, and adrenal dysfunction can all impact pH and immune defense, making yeast overgrowth more likely.

Yeast infections cause thick discharge and itching; BV usually causes thin, gray discharge and a fishy odor. We test to confirm the diagnosis.

Many patients see improvement within weeks, but full healing and prevention often require 2–3 months of gut and immune support.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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