119 - Estrogen's Role in Urinary Health for Aging Women: An Eye-Opening Discussion, Part 1

In today's episode I'm talking about urinary health and the problems that can arise during and after menopause. These urinary problems can become an ongoing or worsening problem as time goes on. So what's happening to the urinary tract as we age? The problems start in perimenopause, primarily beginning with an increase in urgency. Sometimes this change is subtle; an increase in getting up during the night to empty your bladder. It's disturbing to your sleep, but it may not necessarily stand out at first. Increased urgency, frequency, and discomfort can also be a typical presentation of interstitial cystitis. These are also the same signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, with a UTI, there tends to be more discomfort and pain at the end of voiding. Another urinary issue is urinary incontinence, such as urge incontinence, stress incontinence, or both. Involuntary leakage can vary depending on the woman experiencing it. These types of incidents can be extremely debilitating. Even though many women in their 8th decade of life experience incontinence, they tend not to bring it up with their doctor. As a result, they may not know the different treatments available, including lasers, PRP injections, hormone injections, and more. Most of the options for treatment are also affordable and can actually save you money on incontinence pads and diapers moving forward. Untreated urinary incontinence comes with health consequences like chronic UTIs, skin irritation, and an increase in falling and injuries. It can also lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. These issues naturally arise as estrogen declines, making it a normal part of the aging process for women. However, that doesn't mean women shouldn't explore the support that's available for them, especially if it can increase their quality of life.   Connect with Dr. Cernaianu https://www.herabeautyandwellness.com/  https://www.instagram.com/herabeautyandwellness/  https://www.facebook.com/people/Hera-Healthcare-Mirela-Cernaianu-MD/100063462643162/