For many women, menopause and cystitis occur almost simultaneously. This is due to the fact that during menopause the hormonal activity of the ovaries fades. They gradually produce less estrogen.
Hormonal changes occur in the female body, which is accompanied by a significant decrease in immunity. All this leads to the woman’s body becoming sensitive to inflammatory processes, including the urinary system. We will look at how to treat cystitis and what its symptoms are.
Causes and pathogenesis
An important cause of the pathogenesis of cystitis is considered to be a small dose of the hormone produced - estrogen. Due to a lack of estrogen, the surface lining of the bladder becomes thin, its protective functions are weakened, microbes continue to develop freely and lead to the development of an inflammatory process in the organ.
The provocateurs of cystitis are very often harmful microorganisms such as E. coli, staphylococcus, and anaerobic bacteria - Proteus. There are also parasites that cause cystitis - chlamydia and parasitic microorganisms that cause ureaplasmosis and mycoplasmosis. Cystitis can develop under the influence of bacteria together with other provoking factors (for example, chronic pyelonephritis provokes an exacerbation of the disease).
The main manifestations of menopause
- Disturbances in the body's metabolic processes;
- Overweight woman;
- Irregular functioning of all body systems;
- Sudden mood changes;
- Significant decrease in libido;
- Disorders of the genitourinary system, namely frequent urination;
- Insomnia;
- Unregulated interruptions of the menstrual cycle, bleeding or no periods at all.
As mentioned above, disorders of the genitourinary system become frequent accompaniments of menopause. The most important problem of these disorders is such a nuisance as cystitis.
Due to the fact that the level of estrogen hormones decreases, a woman’s immunity suffers enormous suppression. He cannot perform all protective functions to the fullest extent, as he did before. Therefore, the immune system as a whole is significantly weakened.
Because of this, a large number of pathogenic microorganisms are able to penetrate the urinary organs, and also have excellent conditions for reproduction. It is also worth noting that due to a decrease in the functions of the immune system, it becomes problematic to remove these pathogens from the body through medications.
Symptoms and features of the stages of the disease
The main symptoms of cystitis during menopause in women are similar to the manifestations of inflammation of the bladder and are characterized by the following signs:
- frequent urges;
- pain and stinging when urinating;
- the presence of blood clots in the urine;
- changes in the color of urine and the presence of its characteristic specific odor;
- an increase in body temperature to 37-37.2 degrees, which indicates the course of the inflammatory process in the body.
Catarrh
The first stage of cystitis is catarrhal inflammation, in which patients complain of the following symptoms:
- pain and stinging that occurs during urination;
- burning and itching of the genitals.
The outer membrane of the genitals is characterized by severe redness, one might say swelling. A diagnostic examination of the bladder (cystoscopy) reveals small ulcers on the mucous membrane and their bleeding. An ultrasound examination and laboratory tests of blood and urine do not reveal any structural changes in the bladder. Inflammation occurs due to the fact that the mucous membrane secretes a small amount of mucoprotein, which protects it from infections and external irritants.
Interstitial inflammation
At this stage of the disease, women experience a mild aching pain, alternating with sharp and severe pain. There is a frequent urge to urinate, which is often accompanied by spontaneous emptying of the bladder. When diagnosing, the doctor detects redness and swelling of the organ, the presence of small erosions, hemorrhage (bursted blood vessels) over the entire surface of the bladder. In rare cases, growths (polyps) appear on the organ.
Bladder atrophy
Approximately 5 or more years after the onset of menopause, women may develop the most dangerous third stage of cystitis - vesical atrophy. Signs of its development are spontaneous emptying of the bladder, absence of pain and stinging when visiting the toilet. Treatment of this stage of the disease is very complex and ineffective. A disease of this form of the disease (atrophic cystitis) is characterized by irreversible changes in the surface layer of the bladder and subsequently the development of a sclerotic form - microcystis (manifested by a decrease in bladder capacity).
What treatment is given at different stages of the disease?
Therapy directly depends on the stage of cystitis:
- At the catarrhal stage, topical hormonal agents are prescribed: gels, creams and suppositories. The most popular include: Ovestin, Divigel and Klimara. The course of treatment is 3 months. During this time, the structure and tone of the mucous membrane is restored. To relieve the inflammatory process, the following are prescribed: Cyston, Canephron and Phytolysin.
- At the interstitial stage, hormonal drugs are prescribed in tablets and additionally the same topical agents as at the previous stage. The following hormonal drugs show a good effect: Divina, Klimonorm, Klimen. To eliminate bacteria, the following are prescribed: Nolicinon, Monural, etc. If it is necessary to relieve pain when urinating, then No-Shpu, Spazgan, Papaverine and Baralgin are recommended.
- At the atrophic stage, the mucous membrane becomes insensitive to estrogens and therefore, hormonal medications do not have an effect. To eliminate bacteria and relieve pain, the above-mentioned medications are prescribed. Urinary incontinence can only be treated through surgery. Therefore, it is advisable not to bring cystitis to this stage.
It is important to know that if hormone replacement therapy is started in a timely manner, atrophy of the bladder mucosa will not begin. Since the cause will be eliminated - estrogen deficiency.
Diagnosis of cystitis during menopause
To make an accurate diagnosis, it is important to conduct research - laboratory and instrumental. Laboratory diagnostics includes tests such as a general blood test and a urine test according to Nechiporenko. It is difficult to determine anything from a blood test. Signs of an inflammatory process in the body are revealed. Urine analysis is a more effective diagnostic method that allows you to determine the presence of harmful microbes in it by its appearance (characteristic color and smell). The Nechiporenko analysis involves taking an average portion of urine for examination and comparing the normal indicators with the existing ones.
Instrumental research methods include:
- cystoscopy (examination of the inner surface of the bladder using an endoscope);
- Ultrasound (allows you to diagnose cystitis);
- biopsy (collection of material for histological examination) and uroflowmetry (determines the urodynamics of the lower urinary tract), which are less commonly used for this pathology.
Causes of the disease
Among the main causes of cystitis at any age it is worth highlighting:
- violation of hygiene rules;
- wearing synthetic or very small underwear;
- unprotected sexual intercourse;
- hypothermia;
- previous diseases.
But menopause and cystitis can be linked by other negative factors:
- decreased tone of bladder tissue;
- blood circulation problems in the genital area;
- inflammation of the vagina;
- microflora disturbance.
During menopause in women, favorable conditions arise in the body for bacteria, which provoke inflammatory processes in the bladder. In addition, due to vaginal dryness and microflora imbalance, it is easier for bacteria to enter the urinary system.
Also, don’t forget about nutrition and stress. An already weakened body during menopause suffers greatly from hormonal imbalance, and against this background, even a minor negative factor can become a provocateur of the inflammatory process.
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment for cystitis during menopause is based on taking antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs together with hormonal ones. Only a doctor has the right to prescribe medications; self-medication is strictly prohibited. Nowadays, hormones for menopause are very common, which are available in any form - in tablets, drops, in the form of ointments, ampoules and suppositories. All drugs are united by one feature - the content of natural female hormones, which do not harm a woman’s health and are considered safe for long-term use. Such drugs include “Femoston”, “Divigel”, “Menostar” and others similar in composition and action. Of the anti-inflammatory drugs, preference is given to the following: “Canephron”, “Cyston”, “Fitolysin”. The following antibiotics are used: Furadonin, Monural, Flemoxin.
In addition to the above medications, homeopathic medications are taken for menopause, such as:
- "Remens" is a drug that restores hormonal balance and is used in the complex treatment of inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs;
- "Climact-Hel" - used in the complex therapy of vegetative disorders during menopause;
- "Ambosex" - indicated for urinary incontinence during menopause and other hormonal disorders.
There are cases when drug therapy for chronic cystitis does not bring the desired results, then it is necessary to act promptly. The operation is necessary for women who:
- the structure of the urethra is disrupted (the vagina is in contact with or is close to the urethra);
- recurrent cystitis appeared during menopause (occurs when the uterus prolapses or prolapses);
- interstitial stage of cystitis (caused by scars on the walls of the bladder, leading to burning and pain);
- unfavorable outcome of treatment and the inability to take any additional measures (the bladder is removed).
Cystitis during menopause becomes chronic, which cannot be cured forever. It is possible for the patient and the doctor to prevent re-exacerbation of the disease by following these recommendations:
- maintain genital hygiene;
- adhere to proper nutrition (eat more fermented milk products, limit the consumption of salty and spicy foods);
- avoid hypothermia; visit the toilet in a timely manner, do not restrain yourself when you have the urge to urinate.
Hormonal drugs for the treatment of involutional cystitis and recommendations for their use
"Ovestin". (suppositories, tablets, cream). The active substance, estriol, is a natural estrogen. Can be used for both prevention and treatment of symptoms caused by estrogen deficiency.
The required dosage of the drug is prescribed only by the attending physician. The medication dosage regimen is based on an increased dose in the first weeks, with a further reduction and achievement of maintenance therapy.
"Klimara". A unique patch that provides the required dosage of estradiol daily, maintaining the desired level of the hormone in the body. To reduce the risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, additional therapy with gestagens should be carried out for 10-14 days.
The patch must be applied to clean, dry skin, preferably in the area of the spine or buttocks; it is recommended to avoid the area of the mammary glands and waist.
The patch is changed weekly. During treatment, exposure to high temperatures (hot bath, sauna) should be avoided, as the patch may come off;
"Clymene". An antimenopausal drug containing estrogen. Replenishes the deficiency of female hormones in the body, eliminates symptoms caused by diseases due to estrogen deficiency.
Able to control the menstrual cycle in women. During menopause, 1 tablet is prescribed for 21 days, after which a 7-day break is taken. The drug must be taken at a certain time (i.e. at the same hours), with a small amount of water;
"Cliogest". A combined product containing estrogen and progestogen. This composition eliminates the risk of developing endometrial cancer cells and allows for continuous hormone therapy in women.
Traditional methods
Traditional methods are considered a good addition to the main treatment. Among them there are many recipes available for carrying out the treatment procedure at home. The very first remedy that can be used to treat menopause and cystitis is warming with milk. First you need to boil 3 liters of milk. Wait until it cools down a little, pour it into a bowl and thus steam your feet. After the procedure, the milk can not be poured out, but used for the next procedure.
Rosehip decoction (compote) is considered a very effective remedy for inflammation of the bladder and has been used for a long time in folk treatment. To prepare the decoction, take a handful of berries and cook for 10-15 minutes over low heat. When drinking, you can add honey or sugar to taste. You can take this decoction for a long time.
A decoction can be prepared from a plant such as echinacea, known for its immune-boosting properties. To prepare the decoction you need to take 1 tsp. herbs and pour a glass of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 3 hours. You need to take 100 ml in the morning and evening after meals. This method of treatment and the others listed above should be used by all women without exception, since during menopause the body is weakened and is not protected from external adverse factors.
Preventive measures
During menopause, it is necessary to observe the rules of personal hygiene; a woman should purchase underwear made from natural materials. Constipation should be avoided. If you strain during defecation, the walls of the bladder may become damaged.
A female representative must avoid hypothermia. You need to give up salty foods, hot seasonings, and pickled dishes. Such products provoke the occurrence of cystitis. To reduce the risk of the disease, a woman needs to drink a sufficient amount of fluid: about two liters per day.
The following drinks are useful during menopause:
- cranberry juice,
- fresh juices,
- mineral water,
- teas from plants with diuretic properties.
Herbal remedies for bladder inflammation
If a woman is not bothered by severe pain or high fever, then you can try herbal treatment. But they should only be used in combination with antibiotics:
- Cyston (430 rubles). It has diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Release form: tablets.
- Lingonberry leaves (40-50r). Astringent and anti-inflammatory agent of plant origin. Improves the body's protective functions and increases the effectiveness of antibacterial therapy. Release form: sachets and packages with dry leaves.
- Monurel (450-500 rubles). Cranberry extract, which, with long-term use, has a positive effect on the fight against inflammatory processes in the bladder.
- Canephron (350-400 rubles). A combined preparation in tablets containing rosemary leaves, lovage, centaury. It is very useful for chronic cystitis, because it reduces the intensity of pain and also reduces the risk of relapses in the chronic form of the disease.
Natural hormones are also contained in Chinese Beautiful Life tampons. Menopausal women often turn to them to normalize hormone levels, but in addition to this property, tampons can cure cystitis.
These herbal remedies can be combined with antibiotics and hormones, but you should consult your doctor. Also, these herbal remedies help treat urethritis in women.
Diagnostic methods
During menopause, it can be quite difficult to quickly identify bladder inflammation. But at the slightest complaint it is worth visiting a gynecologist and urologist. A preventive visit to the hospital can protect a woman from developing a chronic form of the disease, the treatment of which is very problematic.
There is a list of basic methods for diagnosing inflammatory processes:
- general urine analysis;
- analysis of nutrient media in urine;
- Ultrasound of the bladder;
- CT scan.
It is very important for women during menopause to check their urine at least four times a year in order to detect pathological processes in time.
