What is Menopause?
Menopause is the transition all women go through when their menstrual cycle and their reproductive years end. The length of your cycles will become irregular, often skipping a visit from Aunt Flo altogether. As you enter your late 30s, your ovaries will produce less estrogen and progesterone, and your fertility will begin to decline.
In your 40s, your menstrual periods may become:
- longer or shorter
- heavier or lighter
- more or less frequent
Menopause is diagnosed when you have gone 12 months without a period and can happen in your 40-50s. On average, American women experience menopause when they are 51.
In the months or years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), you may experience:
- Abnormal periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Sleeping difficulties
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Slowed metabolism
- Hair thinning
- Dry skin
- Changes in your breasts
Throughout these hormonal changes, pregnancy is rare but not impossible, which is why many women continue to take their birth control during perimenopause.
Why Do UTIs Occur In Menopausal Women?
As you age, your vaginal tissue thins, making it more likely to cause infection. UTIs risk is much higher throughout perimenopause and menopause due to the drop in estrogen levels; the hormone estrogen allows good bacteria to grow and helps maintain an acidic environment, keeping the bad bacteria out. Incontinence and bladder prolapse are also other factors that cause UTIs in postmenopausal women.
Some menopausal women have occasional UTIs, although others endure chronic UTIs that interfere with life quality and sexual satisfaction.
Everything You Need to Know About UTIs During Menopause
Natural UTI Prevention
There does exist a natural alternative: the cranberry. There's a special bioactive compound found inside the cranberry that's been clinically proven to be effective in preventing recurring UTIs. They're called proanthocyanidins. However, the fruit itself, cranberry juice and even some supplements don't have the required amount to be effective.
“I have experienced Chronic UTI’s since my cancer treatment end. I have tried every product under the sun and drank so much pure cranberry juice, it gave me a sour tummy. I came across this product a few months ago after having a UTI every three weeks I decided to give Utiva a try. I love how easy it is, take one pill same time everyday for 24 hrs protection. It’s easy! It also works unbelievably. I’ve made it 6 weeks without having a UTI. Today at Sunnybrook Hospital my urologist told me about Utiva. I had to laugh as I’m already on it. I want to thank the Utiva team for their help and for creating a product that actually works. I would highly recommend this product.”
Kim, Canada
"Natural remedies can help with reducing UTIs. Although cranberries have been reviewed, it is important to check for 36mg of Proanthocyandins (PACs) within the supplement. These are the active molecules from within cranberries that help to keep bacteria from adhering to your urinary tract and bladder wall. Given the impact that recurrent UTIs can have on a one's life, patients should choose products that are supported by scientific evidence."
Colleen McDermott MSc, MD, FRCSC
Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital
Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
Some Other Natural Tips for Preventing UTIs Include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles
- Emptying your bladder periodically
- Avoiding long baths and douches
Alternative Solutions for Chronic UTIs
Antibiotics do an excellent job of clearing UTIs. But most women don't love the idea of taking antibiotics for an extended period. There are, however, other common alternative solutions for chronic UTIs.
1) Vaginal Estrogen
Inserting estrogen directly into your vagina can help restore hormone levels. Vaginal estrogen promotes UTI prevention as it maintains the good bacteria that help keep bad infection-causing bacteria at bay.
2) Adjust Your Lifestyles
Making lifestyle changes, such as ensuring you drink the recommended amount of 11.5 cups of water each day to flush the harmful bacteria out of your urinary tract, can help tremendously with UTIs. It's also important to wash your genitals each day, wipe front to back, pass urine regularly, and ensure you pee and drink water after sex.
In addition to these healthy routines, taking daily cranberry supplements such as Utiva's Cranberry PACs Supplement can help break the UTI-antibiotics cycle to avoid antibiotic resistance.
If you are going through menopause and experiencing frequent UTIs, shop Utiva’s collection of UTI supplements, tests and more. All of our high-quality ingredients are sourced from North America and are doctor approved!
