She might be producing new and absorbing them constantly. I don't keep them myself so am not talking from experience.
If the fish is eating well and behaving normally then I wouldn't be concerned, otherwise I would attempt to squeeze her myself.
All sorts of stuff can be used but they aren't as good as the noodles. I have heard of people using plastic hair curlers and cut up straws. Bricks and terracotta are used as caves in tanks, just give them a scrub first.
Some male gouramis can be quite territorial (especially the blue and 3 spot) depending on what other fish are in the tank and the order in which they were added.
My tank is heavily planted, well filtered, and lightly stocked and I rarely do water changes. I don't test the water either so have no idea what the readings are.
My BNs often fight but nothing serious, and usually over food. As said, as long as they have somewhere to get away from each other they should be fine.