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 The Why & What (the Science): 
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Between 50-60% of women experience "genitourinary syndrome of menopause" (GSM).

It's a real thing. Just because we aren't talking about it, doesn't mean that it isn't happening!

And it is really serious, because it can be painful. So EVERYONE should be talking about it! 

This is why it happens:
 

Hormonal Changes: YEP it's all about OESTROGEN. Again! 
 

• Declining oestrogen levels lead to thinning of vaginal and urethral tissues

• AND weakens the urinary tract’s natural defences, making it easier for bacteria like E. coli to adhere and cause infection.

• Lower oestrogen decreases lactobacilli, beneficial bacteria that maintain vaginal pH and prevent harmful bacterial growth. This imbalance allows pathogenic bacteria to thrive, increasing UTI risk.

• Urethral and Bladder Changes: thinning urethral tissues reduce the barrier against bacteria entering the bladder. And weakened pelvic floor muscles and bladder tissue can lead to incomplete emptying, allowing bacteria to multiply.
   

Other Factors:

• The above "symptoms" like vaginal dryness, or sexual activity, can irritate the urethra, facilitating bacterial entry.

• Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes) or reduced immune response, common in ageing, may exacerbate susceptibility.

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 The Solutions - Treatments & Cures: 

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Low-dose vaginal oestrogen therapy can restore tissue health and reduce UTI recurrence. If your medical specialist is not aware of this, educate them, or find a medical specialist who knows what they are talking about.
 

Hydration, good hygiene, and cranberry supplements may help prevent infections.
 

BUT please be aware that persistent symptoms require medical evaluation to rule out other conditions or resistant infections. And one of the side effects of disrupting your internal "system" is that sometimes this will result in a bout of thrush. This is easily cured. 

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What the Experts (a.k.a Science) Say: 

 

There are the traditional "cures" like antibiotics, but for peri and menopausal women specifically, Topical Oestrogen appears to work best, because it thickens the urethral and vaginal mucosa and rebalances the normal bacteria. (ie: Slather it on, Ladies.)

https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/recurrent-uti​​

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 What's Worked for YOU: ​

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As we collect your own Menojourneys, we will update this section with up to date recommended solutions or even cures (fingers crossed) for this symptom.

So if you have any personal insight about treatments or cures that have worked for you, or that have failed, please help our database grow by telling us about your own experiences via our Your Your Menojourney page.

 

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 AND MORE : 

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We Recommend:  Best Podcast 
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We Recommend:  Best Menojourney 

Read what our MenoLady XXX had to say about this symptom

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