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Hi Judith,
Wonderful that you advocated for your health, and asked for your hormone levels to be checked! Knowledge is key in understanding what is going on in our bodies...and you know that you are going through perimenopause which can certainly lead to the conditions you describe.

Did your doctor provide information on treatment options to relieve symtpoms you are experiencing?

You have many options to help you prevent the physical and emotional symptoms you are experiencing, but it is helpful to know if there are any additional causes or triggers (beyond your medical diagnosis).

Regarding yoru UTIs and bacterial infections:
You said you have been getting "a lot", and "more than usual". Are these self-diagnoses UTIs and bacterial infections, or are you having them confirmed each time? A few possibilities to consider:
1. It can be normal for women to experience UTIs (I believe up to 4 a year can be considered "normal", but please confirm with your doctor). This is due to our anatomy, and during sexual intercourse especially, bacteria can be pushed up into the urethra. If you are experiencing UTIs after intercourse, you can ask your doctor for a prescription to help prevent this type of UTI (you take a pill before intercourse), and you can also use protective factors including using the bathroom immediately after intercourse.
2. I am uncertain what "a lot" is in regards to frequency of UTIs, but you could either be experiencing recurring UTIs (meaning: you are not sufficiently treating the UTI). Most doctor offices will prescribe a generic antibiotic to women who are diagnosed with a UTI. If your UTI is recurring...your urine sample can be tested for the exact strain of bacteria, and given an antibiotic for that specific bacteria.
3. Lastly, hormones can play a role in changing your body, and can have an effect on the "good bacteria" in your body not adequately defending against the "bad bacteria" (that causes UTIs, for example). You can talk with your doctor about possible supplements, depending on your hormone levels.

What has happened in the past 3 weeks that has caused you stress and exhaustion "all the time"? If you had a negative (or just overwhelming) life event that depleted your emotional and physical resources, are you able to focus on taking care of yourself and letting other things go for the next few weeks? Examples include getting an extra hour of sleep, eating a few more fruits and vegetables, going on a few more walks...and perhaps letting a few chores go undone until you have more energy.

If you are feeling tired and stressed, it is best to deal with the stress and tackle what you can control. Do you have a good support system that can help you? If you are feeling that you are emotionally tired and drained, please don't overlook the fact that you may be feeling sad or depressed, and talking with a mental health provider can be the best solution to help you through this difficult time.

Please let us know how you are doing!

October 27, 2011 - 2:25pm

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