Do me a favor and click on that picture. It's one of the first images I've ever seen that illustrates the ("average") human microbiota! I'm really loving the Lactobacilli section-- check out all that pink! One drawback of this graphic is that it doesn't show changes and cycles of local microbiota-- though to be honest, a 3D animation would be necessary to depict that AND the variety of species listed. It's true: like all ecosystems, the local microbiotas in our skin, mouth, gut, and genitals go through seasons.
It's crazy to think of how our local microbiotas change as we age, let alone the cycles they go through on a regular basis. The best example I can give is of the vagina and its veritable forest of Lactobacilli. A healthy vaginal microbiota is associated with a lot of Lactobax, but most women experience an increase of anaerobic bacteria during their periods. These anaerobic bacteria aren't exaaactly pathogenic, but many are associated with bacterial vaginosis and that weird fishy smell (good morning, ladies!). The chart below shows the changes in the microbiota of two ladies' vaginas at different points in their menstrual cycles.
I'd be interested to know how the vag forest would be affected by, or whether it might have an effect on, irregular periods. On a side note, I found this seed supplement regimen today that's supposed to help balance hormones for ladies with irregular cycles. It's simple and seems really effective.
Anyway, here's the gem of a study I got the above chart from. Happy Saturday!
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