Unfortunately, as your hormones drop you are more prone to: *Viral infections and viral reactivation of previous infections *Bacterial and other microbial infections  *Auto-immune conditions *Increased inflammation If you have ever doubted the link between your hormones and your immune system think of those poor women that get cyclic thrush infections, cyclic herpes outbreaks, or are generally more prone to infections at either ovulation or menstruation—two times of major hormonal change. Luckily there are many things you can do to protect your immune system and give it a helping hand, no matter what stage of life you are in.  How to optimise Immune Function