You knew that your estrogen levels would drop as you approached menopause. You thought you were prepared for the symptoms. You were ready for the night sweats, the hot flashes, the irritability and the weight gain. You never planned on female incontinence.
As menopause gets closer, you have been plagued with all of the typical effects that are connected with the gradual shutdown of your reproductive system. Believe it or not, female incontinence is a common problem for many women as well. You are not alone when it comes to this frustrating condition. It might be helpful to understand why.
What’s the Correlation Between Estrogen and Female Incontinence?
When it comes to your health, your estrogen levels play a major role in your well-being. While it’s true that this hormone is essential for your reproductive health, it also plays a role in managing your metabolism and your moods.
Estrogen also affects your vaginal health. As your hormone levels start to drop, your vaginal tissue becomes thinner and less elastic. It may tend to dry out and become irritated. Your urethra can also begin to thin out as well. You may also experience a weakening of the muscles that support your bladder. All of these problems can combine to cause female incontinence.
What Can You Do About Estrogen-Related Female Incontinence?
If a decrease in estrogen levels is to blame for your female incontinence, bioidentical hormone replacement could be the answer. This involves supplementing your hormone levels with plant-derived hormones that match the chemical makeup of your hormones. Over time, they can relieve your symptoms, including female incontinence.
You can also opt for estrogen cream that is applied to the vagina on a regular basis. This can restore your vaginal tissue and your urethra, relieving irritation. Kegel exercises are effective in strengthening the muscles in your vagina. In some cases, you may need a bladder sling to lift up your bladder and urethra to relieve pressure related to incontinence. The best option for you will depend on your symptoms and why you are experiencing female incontinence.
Talk to Our Doctor About Estrogen and Female Incontinence
If female incontinence has been making your life miserable, it’s time to look for answers. Make an appointment at South Lake OB/GYN to talk to our doctor about how estrogen could be related to your problem. Our doctor will talk with you about your symptoms, evaluate your medical history and examine you. Once the reason for your female incontinence has been discovered, our doctor can move forward with the appropriate treatment to help you find relief. Contact us today to schedule your appointment at our office in Clermont.