022- UTIs & Perimenopause: A Common Connection

Are you aware that hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can significantly increase your risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A Perimenopausal Challenge

Learn about the increased risk of UTIs during perimenopause and discover effective strategies for prevention and management.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understand the Risk: Understand why perimenopausal women are more susceptible to UTIs.
2. Preventative Measures: Implement practical tips to reduce your risk of UTIs.
3. Seek Medical Attention: Know when to consult a healthcare provider for UTI symptoms, especially if they are severe or persistent.

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. The information and recommendations provided during our coaching sessions are intended to support your overall health and wellness and are not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your physician before making any changes to your medication, treatment plan, or if you have any concerns about your health.

Transcript

Speaker 1 2:28

Before we dive in today, I wanted to give a heads up to you listening. There are no explicits in this episode, but I will be talking about women's anatomy and some specifics of the nether regions. So please take this as a warning that if you are listening to this on speaker in any public places or around children, use your discretion. Thanks Now. Did you know that 50 to 60 percent of women will experience a urinary tract infection at least once in their lifetime, and chances are that 20 to 50% of you listening will experience at least one recurrent UTI, meaning another UTI infection after the first one, if you haven't already? This rate of recurrent UTI increases 50% or more after you hit menopause. Let's dive into what happens during perimenopause and menopause and why. Why the increase of UTI infections. During perimenopause, our hormones fluctuate. Perimenopause is that transitional period leading up to menopause which is marked by the official end of your menstrual cycle, and perimenopause can begin as early as your late 30s and during this time your body starts to slow down its production of estrogen and progesterone hormones. These hormonal shifts can cause a variety of symptoms. Check out episode two, where we dive into the phases of menopause Now. Normally, the urinary tract is sterile environment, meaning clean and free from bacteria. But bacteria may rise from the perianal region into the urinary tract, which ultimately can lead to a urinary tract infection. So why does perimenopause put you at increased risk of UTIs? Besides changes in hormones and menstruation, changes can also occur in the perineal area. The lining of the vagina becomes thinner, it becomes drier, more easily irritated, the vaginal passage becomes shorter and less elastic and the microbiome of the vagina itself changes and becomes less acidic, and their urethral openly which, put blatantly is the pee hole can become irritated and the muscles become less resilient. Post-menopausal women these are women who've been through menopause and now they've beyond the 12 months of consecutive. They're beyond the 12 consecutive months of not having a period. These women are at even higher rates of urinary tract infections because of the changes that I just listed above and because of a higher incidence of medical illnesses such as diabetes.

Speaker 1 5:40

So symptoms of a urinary tract infection can include pain and burning when urinating, frequency in urination, feeling like you always have to go, but maybe only urinating small drops at a time. Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder, maybe some blood in the urine, and then pressure and cramping in the groin and lower abdomen area. Now if this infection were to remain untreated, it could travel to the kidneys and when that happens we develop fever, chills, lower back pain, pain in the side of your back we call that the flank pain. You have two kidneys, it's one on each side or nausea and vomiting. Those symptoms sound no fun and, you know, ultimately let's hope we don't get to this point. But if the urinary tract infection then travels to the kidneys and is still not treated, it can become septic, meaning you have now an infection that's traveling through your blood.

Speaker 1 6:40

So what are the risk factors for urinary tract infections? So UTIs are more common in females rather than males in general, just because they have a shorter urethra. And Other risk factors to having a UTI besides having a previous UTI is recent sexual activity and also changes in the bacteria that lives inside and around the vagina, which is vaginal flora. For example, in menopause or when you use spermicides, it can cause these changes. So what can you do to prevent these nasty stingers from happening? We want to stay hydrated Water. Remember, even in our goal for being healthier lifestyle with our nutrition and we've talked about previous episodes with hot flashes that we want to be drinking half of our body weight in ounces of water. We want to eat nutritious diet and that includes probiotics, prebiotics and minimal to no added sugar, because bacteria loves sugar.

Speaker 1 7:52

Wear breathable clothing and underwear, specifically cotton lined Cotton is soft, it's absorbent and it allows air to flow, and this means less opportunity for bacteria to grow and thrive. You want to urinate immediately after any sexual activities and this aids in flushing out any bacteria that may have settled in and around the urethral area. Change your undergarments often if sweating or if they become soiled, remember leaving them on for longer periods of time will harbor bacteria and create the perfect environment for it to grow. And after using the restroom, please remember to wipe from front to back. This is especially important so bacteria from the anal area is not pulled towards the urethra. Take showers instead of baths. We don't want to be spending long times soaking in a tub that could have bacteria, and we want to minimize and eliminate douching sprays or powders to your genital area.

Speaker 1 9:01

If you're using a vaginal lubricant, make sure it's water-based. It mimics natural body fluids, can help with vaginal dryness and pain with sex, and it helps preserve the vagina's natural pH. When do you see your doctor? Helps preserve the vagina's natural pH. When do you see your doctor? If you're experiencing symptoms like pain or burning when urinating frequent urination if you're noticing any blood in your urine, it's important to call your provider. These could be signs of a urinary tract infection. They will most likely request a urine sample to send it off for culture, which will test for what bacteria is causing the symptoms and will also check what antibiotics are best suited to treat it.

Speaker 1 9:47

And I want to stress this Menopause is a normal and natural life transition. Transitions and change are simply a part of life. Each and every one of you will experience your own perimenopause and menopause journey. Use this journey as an opportunity to identify your priorities, explore new adventures and share your story to others so that they will be encouraged and empowered to do the same. Let's change this narrative from why me to it gets to be me. You got this woman warrior.