Postmenopausal cystitis and the role of cranberry polyphenols in its prevention

The increasing trend of life expectancy has resulted in approximately one-third of a woman's life being spent in the postmenopausal period, during which genitourinary syndrome and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common clinical manifestations The decline in sex steroid levels during menopause leads to atrophic changes in the mucosal lining of the vagina, urethra, and bladder. These changes contribute to dysbiosis and the development of recurrent postmenopausal cystitis. Numerous studies in the medical literature have explored the treatment of UTIs in women with postmenopausal cystitis, emphasizing the use of herbal remedies, probiotics, and prebiotics, with cranberry-based products being particularly prominent. The anti-adhesive properties of cranberry polyphenols, which inhibit the attachment of uropathogens to uroepithelial cells, are well-documented. In addition, D-mannose prevents bacterial adhesion to the urothelium, complementing the effects of cranberry extract. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supports an acidic environment in the urinary tract, creating conditions unfavorable for bacterial proliferation. Current evidence supports the use of a combined therapy containing cranberry polyphenols, D-mannose, and vitamin C as a preferred option for the treatment of postmenopausal cystitis and the prevention of its recurrence KEYWORDS: postmenopausal cystitis, urinary tract microbiota, intestinal dysbiosis, vaginosis, relapse, cranberry polyphenols, probiotics, combined herbal medicine FOR CITATION: Selikhova M.S., Burova N.A., Syanova O.Yu. Postmenopausal cystitis and the role of cranberry polyphenols in its prevention. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2025;8(1):32–37 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2025-8-1-5