Estrogen treatment for bladder irritation

Bladder irritation is a common symptom associated with menopause. With declining levels of estrogen, the bladder lining becomes very thin and prone to irritation and infection. There may also be burning pain on urinating and difficulty in holding back urine. Estrogen is responsible for maintaining the lining of the bladder and promoting its blood supply and nutrition. As menopause approaches, the levels of estrogen gradually decline.
When ovulation stops and all the ovarian follicles have disappeared , the supply of estrogen from the ovary stops. The only estrogen available to the body is from the androgens, sex hormones that are produced in the adrenal gland. The androgens are then converted into estrogen by the fat cells (among others) in the body.

There are 3 types of estrogen in the body:

1. estradiol
2. estrone
3. estriol

Estradiol is the most potent and estriol is the weakest.

Estrogen treatments for bladder irritation are available in various forms:

1. Oral estrogen – this can improve bladder symptoms like burning and incontinence. However this is not the best option for women who cannot take estrogens for health reasons (e.g. a hitsory of breast cancer). Some women do not get relief from oral estrogen and so may find relief from other forms.
2. Topical estrogen -
   • estrogen patch – the estrogen in the patch is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. This usually causes fewer side effects compared to oral estrogen. However, the adhesive that sticks the patch to your skin can cause irritation if you are allergic to it.
   • vaginal estrogen – this is available in the form of creams, gels, a vaginal ring e.t.c. This is the best option for you if you are targeting bladder and/or vaginal symptoms in particular.

   The bladder and vagina are seperated by a few layers of cells. Estrogen applied into the vagina is easily absorbed into the bladder lining to relieve symptoms.

As much as possible, try to use natural/bioidentical estrogen as it tends to have fewer symptoms.
If you are having bladder irritation and you would prefer not to use estrogen, estrogen alternatives for bladder irritation may be more useful to you.