18 Causes of Urinary Tract Infections and Other Info

15. Role of Hormonal Changes Beyond Menopause

Hormonal changes can make people far more vulnerable to UTIs. Most notably, low estrogen levels have links to vaginal dryness and itching, which are serious risk factors for UTIs. Usually, estrogen levels drop after menopause. However, some people have other conditions that impact their hormone levels, such as autoimmune disorders, eating disorders, or genetic conditions like Turner syndrome.

Some people benefit from hormone replacement therapy to increase estrogen levels. Beyond estrogen, high progesterone levels may encourage smooth muscle relaxation, promoting leakage and UTIs.