Bladder Infection Due to Hormone Deficiency?
Totally Hormone-Controlled
"In fact, there's almost nothing that hormones don't do," writes neuroscientist Franca Parianen in her book "Hormone-Controlled is Ultimately Self-Determined". The neural messengers are produced in endocrine glands and body tissues before they travel through the bloodstream to their target cells, where they dock onto receptors and trigger the corresponding metabolic processes.
The female hormone oestrogen not only stimulates the immune system, but also plays an essential role in bladder health. An oestrogen deficiency leads to changes in pH levels and shifts in the microbial colonisation in the vagina (fewer lactobacilli, more enterobacteria):
- The mucous membranes of the vagina and urinary tract become less well-vascularised, thinner, and dry out.
- The vaginal pH level increases.
- The sexual and urinary organs may shrink.
As the protective function of the vagina decreases, the risk of infection increases. Pathogens can more easily settle and trigger a cystitis.
The 2 most common causes for oestrogen deficiency and the associated risk of recurring UTIs:
- Natural ageing process during menopause.
- Due to hormonal contraceptives in younger years.
Progesterone Deficiency
Recently, I have increasingly come across reports online stating that a progesterone deficiency (and therefore an oestrogen dominance, not an oestrogen deficiency) can also lead to symptoms. Those affected by recurring bladder infections sometimes substitute progesterone if a deficiency is detected. The relative ratio of oestrogen to progesterone is crucial in this context.
This is exactly why it is worth having your hormone levels tested in a laboratory to gain clarity. You can do this through your gynaecologist, or you can order a home test kit, such as medivere Hormone Profile Female Saliva Test* . You collect the saliva samples at home, send them back to the lab for free, and receive your result within a few days. There is also a hotline available for any questions about the lab result.
During Menopause
Are you currently in menopause or postmenopause and suffering from recurring bladder infections? Then restoring the vaginal flora with estrogens could be helpful.
Local estrogen therapy (Estriol substitution): In consultation with your doctor, you can try vaginal recurrence prevention with 0.5 mg of Estriol/day during (post-)menopause.
Estriol is prescription-only and stimulates the mucous membranes, circulation, and healing. According to studies, the cream works only locally and does not affect the cycle.
Natural Estriol is not prescription-only and is often prescribed for symptoms such as vaginal dryness or recurring bladder issues. The bioidentical Estriol belongs to the good breakdown products of the body's own Estradiol and can be very beneficial for regenerating mucous membranes and the skin itself.
During the Reproductive Years
Hormonal contraceptives (such as the pill or hormone IUD) are suspected of being a trigger for recurrent cystitis. Chemical contraceptives also disrupt the vaginal flora.
So, what should you do? The most common alternatives to hormones and chemicals:
- Condom: also protects against sexually transmitted infections
- Copper IUD: Copper ions prevent fertilization or implantation of a fertilized egg
- Natural contraception: No sex on fertile days (measure temperature and observe cervical mucus)
- Sterilization after completing family planning
Estrogen Levels in the Cycle
Estrogen levels also fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. During menstruation, at the start of the cycle, estrogen is very low, which is why some women are more prone to UTIs during their period.
There are increasing reports online from women who have managed their bladder infections after stopping the pill. My personal advice, if you're not ready to give up hormonal contraception just yet: first follow all the other anti-UTI tips. If that doesn't help, you might consider switching to a different form of contraception and see if things improve.
Have you completed your family planning? Then I can personally and confidently recommend tubal ligation (Salpingectomy).
"You can easily determine your hormonal status from home (even in Austria!). You don’t have to wait for an appointment at the clinic or persuade your doctor to create a hormone profile for you!"
