Jump to content

Choose locationKahi Mohala
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Kāhi Mōhala
  • Ask an Expert
  • Menopause and Urinary Tract Infections
Content

Ask An Expert

Menopause and Urinary Tract Infections

Wesley S. Hilger

Wesley S. Hilger, M.D., FACOG

Sutter Independent Physicians

Sutter Roseville Medical Center

Surgery Center Division

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

Question:

Does menopause cause increased urinary tract infections? It seems like I'm getting more of them now that I'm older.

Answer:

Women are most at risk for urinary tract infections after menopause because of the changes in hormones that occur after menopause.

The tissues of the vagina and outer urethra are affected by the lack of estrogen in the postmenopausal female. The decline in estrogen causes a thinning of the tissue as well as an alteration in the pH of the tissue. Both of these alterations can reduce the body's ability to resist infection.

Studies have shown that replacement of estrogen with vaginal estrogen cream may be one way to reduce urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women.

Related Questions

Question
  • Clitoris Changes with Age
    Does the clitoris disappear with age? After 70?
  • Can Estrogen Withdrawl Cause Digestive Problems?
    I'm a senior citizen in good health. I stopped taking estrogen two months ago. Within 10 days I started having soft, gray colored stools and gas. A recent colonoscopy test was normal. I don't eat dairy products. Could stopping estrogen be the cause?
  • Painful Intercourse Causes and Treatment
    I'm a woman (60) who had not had sex for 10 years. I recently decided to start again, but intercourse was very painful. I have tried several times, but with the same results. What causes this pain and what can I do that will help?
  • How Does BMI Relate to Overall Health?
    I'm 54, eat well and exercise five times per week. Yet my BMI is 27, which translates as obese. Is a BMI of 27 really that indicative of my overall health?
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy and Stroke Risk
    What are the effects of hormone replacement therapy on a person who has a history of lacunar stroke?

Back to Women's Health

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences