Can a UTI Cause Hormonal Changes During Menstruation?

Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that affect the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and in some cases, the kidneys. They can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, and a strong urge to urinate. While the primary symptoms of a UTI are related to the urinary system, there is evidence to suggest that these infections can have secondary effects on other bodily systems, including hormonal changes during menstruation. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, and any disruption to their delicate balance can potentially lead to irregularities or changes in menstrual patterns. This article will explore the relationship between UTIs and hormonal changes during menstruation.

Are Menstruation and UTIs Connected?

Menstruation and UTIs are not directly connected. The urinary system is affected by UTIs, and the reproductive system regulates the menstrual cycle. Since all three organs are separated from each other, UTIs will not affect the periods. Stress from illness will affect menstruation and can lead to hormonal imbalance. Factors that can affect menstruation are illness, stress, age, pregnancy, and hormonal imbalance.

What Are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?

Female genitalia has three openings:

• The Urethra: It is a part of the urinary tract that helps in eliminating waste from the body through urination.

• The Vagina: It is a part of the reproductive system. Menstruation, sexual intercourse, and carrying of fetuses in pregnancy happen through this part.

• The Anus: It is a part of the gastrointestinal system responsible for eliminating solid waste.

UTIs are urinary tract infections (anywhere in the tract - kidney, bladder, ureter, and urethra) caused by bacterial invasion and sometimes fungal infection in the tract leading to pain and bleeding (occasionally). UTIs can affect the tract anywhere, like in the kidneys, ureter, urethra, or bladder. Common causes are bacterial infection, fungal infection, unprotected sexual activities, and poor hygiene. Also, age, reduced movements after surgery, bed rest, kidney stones, histories of UTIs, urinary tract obstruction, and problems in the urinary tract that are present from birth like abnormal structures, these all factors can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).

What Are the Symptoms of UTIs?

Symptoms vary from person to person. Common symptoms are

• Burning sensation while urination.

• Increased urge to urinate.

• Blood in the urine.

• Fever.

• Pain in the abdomen or pelvis.

• Foul or strong-smelling urine.

• Cloudy urine.

• Loss of bladder control.

• Vaginal irritation.

If left untreated, it may also cause dangerous painful infections.

When Can UTIs and Menstruation Strike at the Same Time?

Following can cause menstruation and UTIs to strike at the same time:

• Hormones: Estrogen is the hormone present in every menstrual cycle. Estrogen can reduce the risk of UTIs. Estrogen keeps the good bacteria that is Lactobacillus in the vagina healthy and active. Lactobacillus regulates the pH of the vagina keeping the bad bacteria at bay. Estrogen levels are lowest during the menstrual cycle, thus increasing the risk of infection during that time.

• Sex: There is no such study saying that sex can increase UTIs. Some women prefer having sex during menstruation to avoid pregnancy.

• Stress: Stress is directly related to delay in menstruation and UTIs. Stress increases the cortisol level in the blood, and weakens the immune system. When a woman suffers from stress and UTIs, the immune system has a hard time fighting off the infections, which exhaust the body of nutrients thus delaying the period.

• Pads and Tampons: During menstruation, women wear pads and tampons. These products need to be replaced after a certain time, otherwise, they will trap more heat and moisture in the underwear. These factors will lead to bacterial growth and will increase the risk of UTIs.

• Antibiotics: If a woman is diagnosed with UTI she will be prescribed antibiotics. In most cases, antibiotics do not delay the periods. The most commonly used antibiotics to treat UTIs are Cephalexin, Fosfomycin, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Ceftriaxone, and Nitrofurantoin.

What Are Other Factors That Can Delay Menstruation?

• Stress: Cortisol is produced by the body under stress. This can directly interfere with the ovulation hormones and delay periods.

• Weight: Sudden weight loss or gain.

• Excessive Exercise: More exercise can lead to hormonal imbalance.

• Pregnancy: The most common sign of missed periods is pregnancy.

• Menopause: As women age, their estrogen level drops. Menopause is a condition in which the periods are delayed or stopped by the body and more susceptible to UTIs.

• Birth Control: It can lead to delayed or missed periods.

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a condition where there are delayed periods or no periods.

• Other Medications: Antipsychotics and anticonvulsants can delay or stop periods.

• Diabetes: Diabetes has been known to affect normal mentsruation.

• Thyroid Problems: Thyroid problems can lead to hormonal imbalances in the body.

• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding has been associated with delayed periods.

• Other Problems: Other medical conditions like pituitary disorders can delay periods.

When to See a Doctor?

If UTIs are suspected, visit the doctor immediately. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If urinary tract infection is left untreated, it will lead to more serious infection and spread to other organs. It can advance into a kidney infection, patients will show signs like fever, nausea, vomiting, and lower back pain. The course of the antibiotics should be finished as prescribed by the doctor. Never take old or someone else’s antibiotics as they may not target specific bacterial infections.

How Can UTIs Be Prevented During Menstruation?

• Regular and Timely Change of Pads and Tampons: Try to change the pads and tampons every six hours. Change it when it is fully saturated or there is a foul odor.

• Try to Buy Products That Suit the Skin: Cotton, adorable, and chemical-free pads help to prevent UTIs. If the UTI is diagnosed try to avoid a tampon as it can cause flare-ups.

• Urinate After Sex: This will ensure that no bacteria enter the urinary tract.

• Drink an Ample Amount of Water: Staying hydrated will aid in overall health and will keep the UTIs at bay.

Conclusion

A urinary tract infection does not interfere with periods. UTIs are treated with antibiotics provided by the doctor. The most common cause of UTIs is bacterial infections followed by fungal and viral infections. Any illness, stress, age, pregnancy, or hormonal change can affect the period. If any problem with menstruation or a urinary tract infection (UTI) is suspected, visit a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.