Health & Fitness
Postmenopausal Women – Preventing Your Urinary Tract Infections
Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs) because of a decrease in their estrogen levels. This lower hormone state is associated with specific physical and physiologic changes that increase this risk:
- Thinning of the mucosa of the vulva (vaginal tissue)
- Changing of the normal bacteria that usually inhabit the vagina, especially a decrease in lactobacillus colonization
- An increase in the pH of the vagina
- Vaginal colonization of E. coli.
There have been multiple studies which have found a decrease in these UTIs with the use of estrogen intravaginal creams. There are many variations on the types of estrogen used and many commercial products available.
If you are in the menopausal time of your life and suffer from recurrent UTIs, ask your medical professional about the possible use of a vaginal estrogen preparation.