Bladder irritation is the most common symptom associated with menopause. Declined estrogen levels cause thinning of the bladder lining thus leading to irritation and infection.
You will notice a burning pain while urinating and trouble while holding back the urine. Estrogen is the essential thing to maintain the bladder lining and to promote nutrition and blood supply to it.
When ovulation comes to an end, all the ovarian follicles disappear and the supply of estrogen from the ovaries stops.
During this time, your body gets required estrogen from androgens, which are the sex hormones produced from the adrenal gland. Then the androgens are converted into estrogen with the help of fat cells in your body.
Estrogen treatments for bladder irritation
Given below are some of the estrogen treatments for bladder irritation:
1. Oral estrogen: It improves the bladder symptoms such as incontinence and burning. But, this is not the best option since it is associated with the risk of breast cancer. Also some of the patients do not get relief from oral estrogen.
2. Topical estrogen:
- Vaginal estrogen: You can find this in the form of gels, creams, vaginal ring, etc. If you are targeting any particular bladder symptom, then these are the best options.
- Estrogen patch: Using patch causes estrogen to enter directly into the blood stream. Compared to oral estrogen, there are fewer side effects in this method. Sticking the patch to your skin may cause irritation.
Estrogen alternatives to treat bladder irritation
Here are some of the major estrogen alternatives to treat bladder irritation:
Black cohosh: This herbal remedy has mild estrogenic effects to strengthen your bladder and vaginal lining.
Soy: Gives isoflavonoids that has mild estrogen activity. Consuming 2-3 servings of soy a day is good for bladder irritation. Also, you can drink soy shakes or eat soy bars.
Marshmallow root: Helps the immune system to fight against infections and relieves irritation.
Cornsilk: Reduces the pain associated with bladder irritation and increases the urine flow.
Saw palmetto: Relieves vaginal dryness, prevents leaking of urine and lack of tone in your bladder.
Garlic: Cures infections and stimulates your body’s defense system.
Motherwort: Gives calming effect and relieves the pain by relaxing the tissues and helps to cure the infections.
Aromatherapy: Essential oils such as eucalyptus, juniper and cedarwood are beneficial to relieve the irritation.
Supplements: Taking supplements such as, magnesium, vitamin C, calcium, L-glycine and L-carnitine help in relieving bladder irritation.
All these estrogen alternatives work best when taken in combination.
