Weightloss given me overactive bladder?

[Crikeyalmighty]

I’m not on MJ at the moment although did a spell of it but have kept to the principles and hence drank a lot more water than I ever did - in the last 6 weeks I have had 3 episodes of what feels like cystitis's - except with no burning at all and peeing totally clear , just the feeling of needing to go every 15 minutes and dribble it out , like a cold in the tummy - bloody awful - now although I’m 63 I can count on one hand before cystitis episodes . I’m not unwell in myself , don’t have huge pains or anything and a couple of doses of cystopurin totally takes it away , which is why I don’t think it’s ’something Else’ - the amount of water seems to have given me a bladder that is now easily irritated- anyone else found this when massively upping fluids.

Do you take any HRT? More importantly do you take anything for your vaginal health ? Oestrogen pills like Gina?
It could be due to lack of oestrogen due to menopause, it’s a good idea to take vaginal oestrogens even if you don’t take other HRT to prevent vaginal atrophy.
Often cystitis/UTI type symptoms in menopause are cause by lack of oestrogen, lots of info if you search online or look up people like Louise Newson on Instagram who is a menopause specialist.

@Itscoldouthere I don’t actually and at 63 and well past menopause I thought I had missed the HRT boat - being upfront I smoked and that’s one reason I didn’t take it - I do wonder though as my last blood test at61 the doctor commented I still had 31% oestrogen which he said was actually quite high for my age. I’m wondering if it’s now falling off a cliff and why I’m suddenly getting this very annoying thing - will look this up as you say and maybe look into getting some.

@Crikeyalmighty
I thoroughly recommend you do some research, although I will tell you I’m very pro HRT so you know what camp I’m in 🤣
I’m 62 and have been taking HRT for 7 years but my sister who is 70 only started taking it 3 months ago, it’s never too late.
Anyway regardless of taking full body identical HRT which I know not everyone wants or can take, vaginal oestrogen can and probably should be taken by all, it would prevent so many UTIs and uncomfortable itchy problems that women really shouldn’t have to suffer with.
here’s something to read www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/17/millions-of-women-are-suffering-who-dont-have-to-why-its-time-to-end-the-misery-of-utis

@Itscoldouthere very interesting - will visit GP , because it’s bloody debilitating .

@Crikeyalmighty i have the exact same problem! It’s so annoying. I’m early 40s, no menopause or perimenopause signs yet and been on mounjaro a week. I haven’t even been drinking much more water than I usually do but I need to pee every 20 mins! It’s worst at night, I must be getting up about 5-7 times in the night. And it’s not just the urge to go, it’s a proper wee everytime. I do think it must be something to do with the MJ, I did used to pee maybe once or twice in the night but this is ridiculous!

@purpledaze24 the reason I mentioned it on this thread was because for me it kicked off at the point I was taking MJ - a week in in fact. It seemed to be the trigger, it’s like it’s sent my bladder hyperactive. . May be coincidence I’m not sure- the weird thing is though it has the exact tummy/low down feel of cystitis , but no burning at all yet cystopurin clears it.

Im 60s too. I think MJ has helped my overactive bladder.I think your situation may be coincidence. Mine too maybe.

@leli oh no I don’t think it was the MJ by the way if I’ve given that impression - I think the trigger was upping my water intake hugely.

I think starting mounjaro and/or losing weight has given me better bladder control. I was having some urge incontinence before but that’s pretty much gone.
i suspect it’s the weight loss rather than the mounjaro because I was a slow loser initially and didn’t really notice much difference either weight wise or bladder wise for a few months.
Been on it a year and recently discovered I have reversed my diabetes!

Just saw your last post and wanted to add I haven’t really increased my fluid. I know you should though.

Vaginal oestrogen might well help. You can buy it over the counter as Gina, or get it prescribed. Mine is called Vagifem.

Definitely worth talking to dr about HRT more broadly, but as a PP implied, the vaginal pessaries are a no brainer for urinary or vaginal dryness problems linked to menopause.

Thanks ladies- I’ve got an appointment on friday - I think it’s hit me as I’ve never been one to get UTIs or thrush - even during menopause 10 years ago . It is on and off but most irritating . As I said it’s like the cystitis ‘feeling’ but no burning .