I'm guessing that a lot of my readers can relate to the problem of recurrent urinary tract infections, particularly in the peri/postmenopausal stages of life. The infections usually cause frequent and/or painful urination, and can cause significant pelvic discomfort. The usual treatment is antibiotics, and from many women I have talked to, they end up on antibiotics several times a year, if not more often. The antibiotics can have a whole range of side effects, and it's important to note that after a number of courses of treatment, the body can build a resistance to the antibiotics, and stronger antibiotics have to be used.
I think a better approach is to address the issues surrounding why so many peri/post menopausal women get frequent urinary tract infections in the first place, and one of those reasons is the genital and urethral tissue becoming thinner and more fragile with the loss of estrogen. Most peri/post menopausal women notice vaginal dryness and/or atrophy as they age, but are often too embarrassed to talk to their doctor's about it (and we will address that in a separate post!) This is not just a matter of sexual health (although that is very important) but about urological health.
A study detailed on WebMd.com discusses using vaginal estrogen in post menopausal women to alleviate the deterioration of the genital tissue. The article is not specific as to whether bioidentical estrogen was used, and if so, if the estrogen used was estradiol, or the weaker form of estrogen, estriol. I have taken estriol cream vaginally for about 5 years (and writing this post reminded me that I need to call the pharmacy to order more!) I have not had a urinary tract infection in years, and I attribute that post menopausally to the estriol cream. I have it compounded, and it's about $100 for a three month supply. Not having to be on antibiotics (I haven't been on an antibiotic since 2007, and that was for a bug bite I scratched too hard in my sleep!) is wonderful. Ironically, when I was younger, I was one of those women who used to get a vaginal infection every time I was on an antibiotic (which was frequently, I taught high school and spent much of every winter battling upper respiratory infections and strep throat).
Talk to your doctor about using bioidentical estrogen for vaginal dryness/atrophy. I have a couple good articles to share with you, so hopefully I will be able to post several times this week. Happy first full week of summer!
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Please note: this blog is for informational purposes only, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any medical advice.
"Treat the disease, you win some, you lose some. Treat the patient, you always win."
~Patch Adams~
~Patch Adams~
Dr. John D. Carr
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My Hormone Physician!
My personal hormone physician is Dr. John D. Carr, and he practices at Hormone Health and Aging, 35400 Bob Hope Drive Suite 108, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. His office phone number is 760-548-0413. For more information, see his web site by clicking here. Be sure to check out his Facebook Page, and he has a series of short, informative video lectures on bioidentical hormones and related topics on You Tube. Dr. Carr is a member of the the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and The Endocrine Society. Please note, that effective August 1, 2014, new patients will be placed on a waiting list and will be offered a spot in the practice on a first come, first served basis as slots in the practice become available.
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Check out the credentials of your hormone physician!
When you are doing research for a new doctor, here are two very important websites to check out:
The Federation of State Medical Boards
The link will take you to a listing each state's medical disciplinary board. It is important to make sure that the doctor you are considering has not had his/her license suspended or has otherwise been disciplined by the medical board in the state he/she practices.
American Board of Medical Specialties
This site has a page when you can plug in a doctor's name, state of residence and other information and you can find out if the doctor you are considering is board certified and in what medical specialty(ies).
The Federation of State Medical Boards
The link will take you to a listing each state's medical disciplinary board. It is important to make sure that the doctor you are considering has not had his/her license suspended or has otherwise been disciplined by the medical board in the state he/she practices.
American Board of Medical Specialties
This site has a page when you can plug in a doctor's name, state of residence and other information and you can find out if the doctor you are considering is board certified and in what medical specialty(ies).
Andrea's Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Journey
I began taking bioidentical hormone therapy in September 2006. I started with progesterone cream 3 times a day, and a small amount of testosterone cream every other day. The results were nothing short of astonishing! Within three days, my restless leg syndrome disappeared. Within two weeks, I was off five medications: antihistamine (cured severe seasonal allergies), acid reflux medication, sleeping medication (now I use Melatonin), blood pressure medication, and most importantly, the Ritalin/Concerta I took for Attention Deficit Disorder. I took longer to wean off the antidepressant I was taking as those meds must be gradually tapered off to minimize side effects. Besides the obvious health benefits of not poisoning my body with all the medications listed above, I honestly have more energy now than I did when I was 30, and I turned 52 in June 2010. My mind is much clearer, my focus much sharper, and my anxiety level has decreased dramatically. I now work out at our local YMCA 5-6 days per week, which has tremendously benefited the back, hip and pelvis problems I have from a car crash in 1992. Oh, yeah, did I mention I am down over 120 pounds from my high weight (and still working on it)! I began taking Bi/Est cream in April 2011. Until October 2010, my FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and estradiol levels indicated that I did not need supplemental estrogen. Although I was not having any hot flashes, I began to notice over the winter of 2010-11 that I felt a little cognitively "off"---grasping for words occasionally, and not quite feeling on top of my game. The Bi/Est cream, like my other hormones, is compounded at the pharmacy and I take it transdermally, twice a day. July 2009 update: Three years ago when I had a DEXA (bone denisty test) the results showed that I had a mild case of osteopenia, which is the precursor to osteoporosis. I had a repeat scan done in June 2009---not only do I no longer have osteopenia, the bone density measurements in my hip, femur and spine show that I am COMFORTABLY in the normal range. I am very excited about that---and I attribute it to the bioidentical hormones, exercise, and supplements (including Vitamin D). I am also often asked why I take my hormones transdermally (using creams on my skin) rather than just pop a pill. By using creams, I am able to bypass the liver and the absorption rate for my hormones is faster. The creams are in no way an inconvenience, They come in a little dispenser jar and it took me less than a week to remember my three daily doses.
As a society, we overuse the phrase that something has "changed my life". In this case, it's not hype---I absolutely know that bioidentical hormone therapy has not only improved the quality of my life, but has literally saved my life. I am looking forward to living the second half of my life as a healthy, productive, hormonally balanced woman!
As a society, we overuse the phrase that something has "changed my life". In this case, it's not hype---I absolutely know that bioidentical hormone therapy has not only improved the quality of my life, but has literally saved my life. I am looking forward to living the second half of my life as a healthy, productive, hormonally balanced woman!
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