
November 27, 2001
Complications, Other Illnesses
Question from San Diego, California, USA:
I am 39 years old, I have type 2 diabetes, diagnosed about six months ago, and I have frequent urinary tract infections. Are frequent urinary tract infections a symptom or indication of future kidney disease? You say urinary tract infections are related to estrogen. Is there an estrogen product that would help with this?
Answer:
Frequent urinary tract infections are not predictive of diabetes-related kidney disease. However, if they occur, it is still important to address the underlying cause as any problems to the kidney from chronic infections could be additive to diabetes-related problems.
Sometimes estrogens are used to improve the integrity of the urethra and its junction with the vagina. The estrogen therapy is a topical estrogen.However, some absorption may occur. It is necessary that you speak with your physician about this before you initiate therapy with any form of estrogen.
JTL