The Pelvic Floor and Weird Perimenopause and Post-menopause Issues

Perimenopause and post-menopause spark bizarre changes—from hair loss to bladder issues and painful sex. The pelvic floor relies heavily on estrogen to do its thing. So when estrogen production decreases, women can experience thinning of the vulvar and vaginal tissues, vaginal dryness, burning sensations, bleeding or spotting during intercourse, and other pelvic floor dysfunction. Here’s the positive news: you can actively do something about these issues. 

Pelvic Pain

General pelvic pain is a symptom of perimenopause and post-menopause. Some people describe it as a stinging or burning sensation, particularly surrounding their vaginal opening, while others may feel like they have unrelenting back and hip pain or like they have a chronic urinary tract or yeast infection.

Urinary Incontinence

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone keep the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments strong. Major decreases in these hormones–like during perimenopause and post-menopause–cause the pelvic floor to get weaker, and it can no longer support healthy bladder function. This often leads to urinary incontinence, ranging from a quick leak when we cough or sneeze to fully peeing our pants if we can’t get to the bathroom the exact moment we realize we need to go. Decreased estrogen can also weaken the bladder walls and increase irritation in the genitourinary system. This leads to more frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

Constipation

Constipation is another unexpected side effect of hormonal fluctuations occurring in perimenopause and post-menopause. Fluctuating amounts of estrogen and progesterone change digestive function, slows down the colon, and dries out your poop. This causes folks to strain excessively during bowel movements. Coupled with menopause-related pelvic floor weakness, this is a not-so-winning constipation combination.

Back to the good news: you can actively do something about these issues and learn tips and tricks in physical therapy without medication or surgery. Strengthening and effectively relaxing your pelvic floor is key to maintaining whole-body health through perimenopause and post-menopause. If you have never learned the technique of a proper Kegel or have no clue if you are able to relax your pelvic floor, you don’t have to try to figure it out alone. Health In Balance can help make sense of these unwelcome issues.

Give the clinic a call at 262-236-0176 to schedule your appointment or visit www.healthinbalancept.com