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Intimate Ecology - Moira Bradfield, Gold Coast (2026)

18/04/2026

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is often approached as a localised skin conditionn with some discussion of autoimmune links.
Emerging research suggests broader shifts in physiology may be involved.
This includes some very relevant microbiomes.

Recent data in peri- and postmenopausal women shows changes across:
• The gut microbiome
• The vaginal microbiome
• The vulval skin ecosystem

Indicating that skin and immune interact through microbes influencing immune signalling, hormone metabolism, and barrier function.

In menopause, when estrogen shifts, these ecosystems can become less stable. For some, this contributes to inflammation, tissue changes, and symptom expression. We see peaks of LS diagnosis in this life stage because of the impacts of declining estrogen.

LS is complex and often responds best to an integrative approach. One that recognises that:
local symptoms may reflect wider system changes in addition to topical steroid therapies.

If you want to explore this further, I’ve written about a paper exploring these ecosystems in LS over on the Intimate Ecology blog.

Link in bio.

Need support book with an Intimate Ecology practitioner today.

16/04/2026

Have you visited the Intimate Ecology online school?

A collection of webinars to upskill and learn about the microbiomes in genitourinary health.

Many of our webinars are for practitioners with practical information that can be used in case management.

There are also some direct to public webinars in the My Vaginal Microbiome Series that cover BV, recurrent thrush and Lactobacillus overgrowth disorders (CV).

We also have some easy tobuse clinical download cheat sheets and resources.

An excellent way to improve your management of a wide range of disorders.

Any questions post below :)
Links in Bio

16/04/2026

I was reminded this week by a client how little information we see on fibroids in perimenopause. Fibroids don’t suddenly show up in perimenopause…
they just stop staying quiet.
As this transitional stages presents with:

• Heavier periods
• Random clotting
• Cycles all over the place
• Energy dropping

It is important to remember this isn't just hormones.

Perimenopause shifts:
Hormone signalling
The microbiome (gut + vaginal bacteria)
Inflammation + metabolism

Which means fibroids can start behaving differently, usually with changes to bleeding.

It is important to note that any sudden changes in bleeding are worth investigating so you know exactly whats going on.

And if they find fibroids on ultrasound then understanding them helps you choose the right management path for you.

We cover this including the microbiome + estrogen link in our newest blog.

→ Link in bio

Need holisitic support? Connect to an Intimate Ecology practitioner via the link in Bio.

15/04/2026

What you are seeing here is my first attempt at weaving. For my birthday last month an impulse marketplace find I showed to hubby turned into my present and this is the first fruit off the loom.

I was astounded when it was finally time to cut the finished weave off the loom. I held it in my hands... I had created cloth. I've been working with textiles and yarn in various ways for most of my life but surprisingly I had never created a piece of fabric. It was weighty, soft and hardy in my hands, and I was immensely happy and proud to hold it. I've had some time now to reflect on the value of the process. Who knew about the many ways starting a new project like this could change my day to day life in March. So much of what we do day to day impacts our nervous system rythymn and we can change that. Potentially what we all need at the moment.

• I stopped late night scrolling and watching mindless TV
• I created no pressure and im using my yarn stash
• I talked to my partner and son about what they see in the shapes compared to me.
• I connected to a friend just to discuss art and progress
• I hung out with my animals. Crafting with cats can be interesting, they appreciated the time spent sitting down at floor level and the dogs sat quietly and watched.
• I joined new online groups about weaving. Completely changing my algorithm. So much 'making' out there.
• Overall energised as I worked through my happy project.

A project without expectations just a trial run to learn some new techniques.

This week I used a prescription that comes out from time to time for stressed clients, one I had forgotten about...a content block on learning crochet. To create with your hands without expectation, to let yarn be meditative and for the nervous system to follow. Its not about being perfect, its about new skills, joy in creating and directing attention in a place where your nervous system softens.

A timely reminder that sometimes a prescription of "doing" is more than taking this and that. That joy improves health.
Can you use a similar process for your nervous system? It doesn't have to be weaving...although its pretty great :)

14/04/2026

Perimenopause is often framed as a story of declining estrogen. That is true alongside fluctuations and instability. What is less discussed is the parallel shift in the microbiome, particularly across the v.ginal, gut, and urinary ecosystems.
As estrogen begins to fluctuate and decline, glycogen availability in the v.ginal epithelium drops. This matters because glycogen feeds Lactobacillus species, the keystone microbes that maintain low pH and protect against pathogens. Reduced glycogen often leads to reduced
Lactobacillus dominance in the v.gina and urinary system, higher v.ginal pH, and increased susceptibility to dysbiosis, irritation, and infection.
Studies consistently show that people in perimenopause and menopause have lower Lactobacillus abundance and higher microbial diversity in the v.ginal microbiome, a pattern associated with symptoms such as dryness, burning, recurrent v.ginal and urinary tract infections. We call this the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

The gut microbiome is also involved. The estrobolome, a collection of microbial genes capable of metabolising estrogens, influences circulating estrogen levels through deconjugation and reabsorption. Changes in gut microbial diversity during midlife can therefore alter systemic estrogen dynamics, feeding back into both endocrine and mucosal health.

What does this mean clinically
Hormonal changes are only part of the picture. Microbial ecology is a co-driver of symptoms
Local tissue health depends on both endocrine and microbial support
This is why approaches that focus only on hormone replacement may miss part of the mechanism. Supporting microbial resilience, particularly Lactobacillus stability and gut diversity, becomes an essential layer of care.

Need support? Book an appointment today
Want to learn more? Practitioners part 2 of our Menopause and the Microbiome Masterclass in on Wednesday 22nd. With
Link in Bio

10/04/2026

There is a lot of stress that can come with running into recurrent infections.

Although herpes is very common (both ge***al and oral) and while this is not something you should not feel ashamed of, the reality is, outbreaks can still be very painful and uncomfortable eveb if you are using antivirals!

Jessie is one of our Intimate Ecology practitioners who specialises in s*xual health and believes everyone deserves to feel confident and comfortable in their body.

Jesse’s favourite tips for herpes outbreaks are:

~ Any small tears or friction can cause herpes to surface. This can happen easily during s*x, shaving, or waxing. Support the skin with appropriate ointment barriers, and ensure you are using the best microbiome friendly lubricant during s*xual activity.

~ Topically applied creams such as zinc or manuka honey can help heal ulcerations and reduce burning or pain

~ Apply a heat pack to hips, pelvic region or upper legs to reduce pain

~ A warm bath to soothe (if the burning really hurts, you can urinate in it at the end - this may sound icky but it works wonders)

and last, but not least…

~ Take this as a message from your body that you may need some additional rest!

Ensure you are maintaining your stress levels with good sleep, a healthy diet & exposing yourself to nature.
If you feel like you have been doing all you can to get on top of outbreaks, but they resurface more than you would like, book in with one of your Intimate Ecology practitioners. Link in bio.

care

09/04/2026

Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG) is a s3xually transmitted microbe that is often missed.

Some people have no symptoms at all, while others may experience:

• Burning or stinging when peeing
• Pelvic pain or lower abdominal discomfort
• Unusual discharge
• Bleeding after int3rcourse or between periods
• Pain with int3rcourse
• Recurrent urethral or v.ginal irritation

In people with a v.gina, MG can contribute to cervicitis, and if left untreated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). As a STI and because it isnt part of most standard STI screening it is often identified in perisisten and recurrent symptoms presentations.

If you keep getting told everything is “normal” but you still have symptoms, this is one infection worth ruling out. It’s also important that we look at the microbiome surrounding the MG, how much space is it taking up, what are your levels of beneficial bacteria like, what is the pathogenic bacteria load like.

Testing matters.

Guessing can lead to repeated rounds of the wrong antibiotics and further disruption to the v.ginal microbiome. If identified MG requires specific combination antibiotic support and resistance testing may be required as it has some known resistance patterns to antibiotic therapy.

If you’re dealing with recurrent v.ginal symptoms and want a clear plan and advice on screening, book a consultation with naturopath Danni via the link in bio.

Have other Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species and confused? Read our recent blog.

***alium

08/04/2026

At Intimate Ecology, naturopathic support for recurrent HSV outbreaks provides two layers of support. A safe space to feel seen and heard, and receive the care you deserve.

Support for herpes doesn’t always come from one avenue. It can often take a village of support, such as a Naturopath, counsellor and a GP you feel comfortable with, to help foster a sense of safety.

Through naturopathic medicine and principles, we can help to reduce recurrent outbreaks, reduce pain and help you to feel strong again by supporting your immunity, nervous system, microbiome and fostering a non-judgemental space.

Need support?
Work with an Intimate Ecology practitioner today
Link in Bio

07/04/2026

Today, we launched a blog on the Intimate Ecology website. The start of something I hope will become a much used resource for both clients and practitioners to find out more about key topics in genitourinary health.

For many years now I have resisted a blog. In fact I had one and unpublished it. I didnt like the pressure of knowing what to write, I felt like no one reads them and really I didnt want another thing added to my list.

Whats changed you may ask?
A lot. From the uncertainty of shadow banning, to the need to be able to connect to the public in different ways, to wanting to say more without a word limit. I also needed a way to connect you to the fabulous practitioners and their individual specialised focuses at Intimate Ecology. So as of today we have a blog and three new posts to kick start the project.

I cant say how regular they will be but I can promise discussion of key and relevant topics, a way to better understand our services and the practitioners who supply them and a way to connect you back into old and important posts in this feed that you may have missed.

There is also a plan to rejuvenate the untouched YouTube channel and to get some key videos happening as well. Exciting projects for everyone:) Stay tuned.

If it feels aligned check out the website and the blog page.

Our first blogs cover Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma treatment considerations: do they always need antibiotics?, Shared microbiomes and BV and the launch of a new appointment types for Couples +, Polycule care for microbiome support.

X
Moira

01/04/2026

For STI Awareness Month, we will be exploring the v.ginal microbiome and some of the more common STI’s we encounter in clinic.

Treating an STI is important but, that does not mean the microbiome goes back to its previous baseline.

STI’s do not just infect, they reshape the v.ginal mucosal environment. During and after infection there is often loss of Lactobacillus dominance, with a rise in anaerobic organisms such as Gardnerella, Fannyhessia and Prevotella.

At the same time, inflammation increases, epithelial integrity is disrupted, and cytokine signalling shifts in ways that make recolonisation by protective species more difficult.

Even after negative STI re-tests, the microbiome may remain disordered. This creates a silent aftermath where the risk of bacterial v.ginosis, candidiasis, reinfection and adverse reproductive outcomes is increased.
Inflammation does not immediately resolve once the infection clears. Low grade immune activation can persist, altering pH and the local environment, favouring less protective microbes and slowing recovery of Lactobacillus species.

In some cases, an STI initiates a cascade of events that shifts the microbiome to a less stable state ongoing, increasing susceptibility to recurrent infections over time.
Restoration is not automatic.

Recovery is influenced by external and internal factors. Hormonal status, particularly estrogen, plays a central role. S3xual partner microbiomes can contribute to reinfection or ongoing imbalance. Antibiotic exposures, stress, immune function and contraceptive choices all shape the trajectory of restoration.

Often support for the microbiome requires individualised consideration and time to see it return to a stable state.

Do you have questions or topics for us this month on this topic? Share via PM.

Need support? Book an appointment.

01/04/2026

Why does HPV clear itself for some, while in others it lingers and requires ongoing monitoring?

It often comes down to a number of factors including:

• Immune function: A strong and well-regulated immune response helps the body recognise and clear the virus.

• Vaginal microbiome health : Lower levels of protective Lactobacillus species and a more diverse, inflammatory vaginal microbiome is associated with HPV persistence and cervical cell changes.

• Chronic stress / HPA axis dysregulation: Ongoing stress can affect cortisol patterns, immune surveillance and make it harder for the body to clear viral infections effectively.

• Oestrogen levels + metabolism: Relative excess oestrogen exposure and poor clearance pathways may contribute to an environment that supports ongoing cervical cell changes.

• Nutrient deficiencies: Folate, B12, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A and antioxidants all play important roles in immune function, cellular repair and cervical tissue health

• Genetic factors: Methylation pathways and immune-related genetic variations may influence how effectively the body responds to viral exposure.

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor sleep, high alcohol intake, and persistent inflammation can all influence viral persistence.

If you’ve had HPV detected and have been advised to monitor and retest, this can be a really valuable window to support the factors influencing viral clearance.

If you’d like support taking a more proactive, whole-body approach to HPV and cervical health during this phase, you can book in with naturopath Danni via the link in bio.

31/03/2026

Today is Trans Day of Visibility 🏳️‍⚧️ March 31st

In our clinic, we work with both natal v.ginas and neo-v.ginas in th3 context of microbiome health and it’s important to recognise how these environments behave because of external and internal influences on very different ecosystems.

Gender-affirming care is not optional healthcare, it is life-changing and, for many, life-saving. As practitioners, it’s our responsibility to keep learning, expanding our understanding, and providing care that is informed, respectful, and inclusive of all bodies.

A natal v.gina has specialised v.ginal epithelial cells that support a microbiome typically dominated by Lactobacillus bacteria that help maintain an acidic, protective environment.

A neo-v.gina (post-v.ginoplasty) is constructed using different tissue (often p3nile), which means:
• It doesn’t have the same Lactobacilli supporting capacity
• The microbiome often resembles a p3nile or skin-like ecosystem
• Lactobacillus levels are typically lower

Because of this, some individuals may experience symptoms like burning, discharge, or irritation due to a higher presence of aerobic or anaerobic microbes.

We also see similar patterns in individuals who may have a natal v.gina and are on testosterone therapy, where reduced estrogen can lead to decreased Lactobacillus and shifts in the microbiome.

The good news?
Research shows that targeted support like probiotics and local estrogen therapy can be beneficial for neo-v.ginal health, even for people on testosterone therapy.

Inclusive clinical care considers anatomy, respects identity, and supports individual health.

Need support? Book an appointment with an Intimate Ecology Naturopath today.

Intimate Ecology - Moira Bradfield

18/04/2026

16/04/2026

16/04/2026

15/04/2026

14/04/2026

10/04/2026

09/04/2026

08/04/2026

07/04/2026

01/04/2026

01/04/2026

31/03/2026

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