Bladder function and the time between voids is a timing that we all get used to and rely upon. However, with dropping female hormones that accompany perimenopause and menopause, bladder capacity and time between voidings can become shorter and less predictable; why?
The natural drop in Estrogen that is associated with perimenopause and menopause impact organ systems that have Estrogen receptors; and the bladder has a large concentration of Estrogen receptors. Estrogen is responsible for blood supply per square inch so dropping the blood supply to the muscle of the bladder wall impacts how well that bladder will work. Decreased blood supply per square inch to the underlying vaginal tissues also impacts bladder function. Decreased vaginal tissue elasticity triggers discomfort with the bladder above stretching as it fills and tells your bladder it’s time to void sooner than it used to, so voids occur with a smaller amount of urine in the bladder and accidents can happen with activity and with stresses such as sneezing or coughing. Replacement with bio-identical estrogen can improve blood supply per square inch to both vaginal and bladder tissues, restoring normal bladder function to pre-menopausal bladder functioning.
What level is the right level? Getting a bloodtest to check Estrogen levels is the best way to know how much to take. Only by knowing your levels can the best decision be made for proper management. Don’t let your bladder be treated by medication for overactive bladder when blood supply per square inch is what is really required for best function.