Estrogen deficiency weakens the bladder

Estrogen deficiency during menopause weakens the bladder

15/01/2014

Hot flashes, mood swings and sweats are considered as classic menopausal symptoms that burden the daily lives of many women. But that's not all: About two-thirds of them also have difficulty keeping up with water during menopause. Constant urination then spoiled cozy restaurant visits, nocturnal toilets cost the restful sleep and the permanent search for the next toilet makes every shopping trip a hunt. It often takes months for those affected to trust a urologist. The complaints can usually be resolved with simple measures. Pelvic floor training and a local, limited on the body acting, hormone treatment can improve the quality of life significantly.

„Responsible for the sudden incontinence are changes in the hormone balance“, knows Dr. Reinhold Schaefer, urologist and medical director of the medical network Uro-GmbH North Rhine. During menopause, the body produces fewer and fewer estrogens because the ovaries are slowly stopping their work - with many consequences for their health. For example, due to the decline in estrogen levels, the female body reacts more strongly to substances in the urine. This increases the urge to urinate. In addition, due to the lack of estrogens, the ph value in the female genital area increases and mucous membranes are less well supplied with blood. This makes it more susceptible to pathogens and increases the risk of bladder infections or urinary tract infections. In addition, the estrogen deficiency weakens connective tissue, sphincter and pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to a reduction of bladder and uterus and thus favor a bladder weakness. „Many women believe that incontinence is a common symptom of menopause they need to live with“, explains Dr. Shepherd. „An important step, however, is to go to a urologist for complaints. He can tell if it is even a bladder weakness or perhaps a urinary tract infection. The latter also occurs without blood in the urine, burning on urination or pain in the lower abdomen.“

Urologists recommend the local administration of estrogens for the treatment of incontinence due to the lack of female hormones. Without resorting to comprehensive hormone therapy, this form of hormone delivery has a limited effect on the body, so experts see their risk as low. Corresponding ointments and suppositories provide better blood flow to the bladder and keep the tissue elastic. If you are displeased with ointments or suppositories, you can also use tablets. Moistened with saliva and inserted into the vagina in suitable dosage, they can dissolve completely and without residues. In addition, they help the female genital area to rebuild a protective environment. The regular strengthening of the pelvic floor through targeted exercises or sports has also proved its worth. Cycling is particularly suitable even at low intensity and works the better the more affected people pedal. Horseback riding, walking, swimming and yoga also strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. „However, they should rather avoid jogging as it puts a lot of strain on the pelvic floor“, concludes Dr. Shepherd. (Pm)