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Menopause and symptoms from the urinary tract

There are many perks of getting older. The life experience you gather often gives you a good sense of self-worth and what’s really important in life. Maybe you have grown-up children and time to do all of the things you put aside during the years with small children or the hectic beginning-of-a-career stage? Menopause doesn’t have to stand in your way from doing what you love – but there are a couple of things that can be useful to know about during this new period in life.
 
Most people have heard about common symptoms of menopause, but a topic that is less discussed is how menopause can affect the urinary tract. In this article we will go through just that, along with a couple of treatment options that can be helpful and ease some of the changes in your body.

Menopause and incontinence

The amount of estrogen varies throughout life, but low levels are typically seen in young girls and women approaching menopause. Estrogen affects many organs and parts of the body, like the brain, skeleton, uterus, and vagina. It might also be one of the reasons why many women experience incontinence during this period of life. Science hasn’t proven exactly why incontinence during menopause happens, but a valid guess is that it’s due to the lowered levels of estrogen, which can affect the urinary tract and pelvic floor muscles. Decreased estrogen levels can have the following effects:
 
  1. Loss of tissue condition
    Vaginal and urinary tract tissue can become drier, thinner and less elastic (pelvic floor muscles degenerate when they are not stimulated by estrogen). Generally, combinations of age, childbirth, bodyweight and hormonal factors can lead to this condition and increase the risk of problems with urinary incontinence or urgency feelings. 

  2. Change in pH-environment
    Lactobacilli bacteria normally present in the urinary tract create a low pH environment which protects against infection. With age, the level of lactobacilli bacteria is lowered and so does the mucus production. Levels of pH can rise and the mucosa gets drier. This increases the risk of urinary tract infection, since the bacteria find it easier to attach and thrive. Infection (UTI) is also a risk for urinary incontinence. 
 
You can read more about urinary tract infections here

Estrogen treatment

Estrogen treatment in the form of creams and vaginal suppositories is one way to manage symptoms, as these treatments provide increased delivery of blood to the tissue. Locally administrated estrogen adds moisture, making the mucous membranes of the vagina and urinary tract thicker, more acidic and less delicate. It improves the mucus defense against infections, which also reduces the risk of irritation and urinary tract infection. In contrast, estrogen administrated as pills might worsen urinary incontinence. 

Pelvic floor muscle training

Since your pelvic floor muscles are important to improve bladder and bowel control and prevent leaks, it is essential to keep up the strength in this muscle group. Add Kegel exercises to your daily routine. A few minutes of pelvic floor training each day can lessen the risk for leaks or even make them go away entirely. 
 
If you feel that you need more help and support with your symptoms during menopause, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. There is proper help to get.