Susan E. Mead, M.H.
Incorporated
Medical Herbalist

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Premenopause/Menopause Symptoms

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Fluctuating hormones can trigger a series of urinary tract infections, also known as UTI's, cystitis, and urethritis. When bacteria grow in the bladder, the resulting infection usually causes symptoms such as: a burning sensation while urinating, frequent but very small urinations, intense urgency, incontinence, blood in the urine, and pelvic pain. However, up to 25 percent of urinary infections in premenopausal and post-menopausal women have no symptoms.

Bacteria enter the bladder in one of three primary ways: when the tube to the bladder is irritated or bruised (as from using a diaphragm, pelvic surgery, or intercourse that's a bit too vigorous), when feces are spread to the opening of the bladder through wiping from back to front after a bowel movement, or when there is a catheter present. The shrinking and thinning of reproductive and bladder tissues that may occur during premenopause contributes to bladder infections, as does the decrease in vaginal acidity. Furthermore, tiny ulcerations of the bladder may occur, usually without infection; this is called interstitial cystitis.

QUICK TIPS

• At the first sign of a bladder inifection, drink a glass of water hourly. It's tempting to limit your drinking when urinating is uncomfortable, but don't. Drink copious amounts (at least 3-4 quarts/day) of water and unsweetened cranberry juice.
• Cranberry juice without a sweetener is way too tart to handle undiluted so I suggest mixing 4 oz. of the juice with 32 oz. of water to make 'cranberry water'. The sugar contained in most cranberry juices can actually contribute to more infections. This can be included in your total daily intake of water.
• Test the pH of your urine (anytime except first thing in the morning) using litmus paper if you're suspicious of an infection. Ideally, it should be between 5.8 and 7. An established infection creates more alkaline urine (pH 7.5 or higher) which causes the stinging and burning. You can use unsweetened cranberry juice to lower the pH or vitamin C to raise it.
• Uva Ursi is a classic herb used to minimize bladder infections.

For more specific suggestions and dosages consider a phone consultation with Ms. Mead, click here for more information on herbal consultations and to contact Ms. Mead.

For more specific suggestions and dosages consider an herbal phone consultation with Ms. Mead, click here for more information on herbal consultations and to contact Ms. Mead.

Click below to get more information on other premenopause symptoms:

The Path to Better Living

You have already taken the first step on your journey.  I work directly with you to uncover the sources of your body's imbalance and create remedies to restore, rejuvenate, and heal.

1. We'll begin by filling out your Health History Form, to determine the best approach for your personal needs.  Download a PDF file of the form here.  If you do not have downloading capabilities, contact me and I will mail it to you promptly. 
    

2. Once you have filled out the appropriate information, send me the form, via email or snail mail, along with a recent photograph of yourself. 
    

3. We will next engage in a one-on-one private consultation, either in person or over the phone, where I can pinpoint the right herbal remedies and lifestyle changes for you.  For pricing, see my Herbal Consultations page.
    

4. I then create for you a customized health plan which will include suggestions for diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that will work in conjunction with a specially formulated herbal remedy that I design to target your personal needs.  Potential herb/drug interactions are taken into consideration.
    

5. Many patients begin treatment with one pound of dried herbs selected from my personal pharmacy, which you will enjoy as a strong tea known as an herbal infusion.  But most remedies are supplied in tincture form, with only a teaspoon or two per day needed to make it easy for you.
    

6. Approximately 80-85% of clients start seeing positive results within 2-4 weeks, often in just a few days.
    

7. I will continue to communicate with you via phone or email consultations, and we will work together to help you re-create the strongest, healthiest body possible.  In the case of chronic ailments, you may need to allow one month of treatment for each year you have had the problem. But you should see at least a 10% improvement in the first few weeks.

Begin Your Journey Now

Contact me or download the Health History Form now so we can move on to the next step to making you feel better, mind, body, and soul. 

To your health,

Susan E. Mead, M.H.

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