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The Connection Between Menopause, Incontinence and Health
Although the physical and psychological changes of menopause can be a difficult challenge for those entering this stage of life, its effects on bladder health are especially concerning. Experiencing incontinence—the difficulty of controlling the urge to urinate—is increasingly common among women having reached menopause, though it is one of the most rarely discussed subjects.
Why Does Menopause Cause Incontinence?
The gradual decline of the female body’s hormones during menopause—including estrogen—affects the way the bladder functions. Estrogen is believed to improve the body’s ability to control the bladder, providing the amount of estrogen is sufficient. During menopause, women experience the steady decline of this hormone which can reduce the strength of the pelvic muscles, the muscles used to control the bladder and ultimately making women more prone to bladder control problems.
Types of Incontinence Associated with Menopause
The two most common forms of incontinence that women with menopause suffer from are stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
Stress incontinence is caused by a weakening of the pelvic muscles, often due to the hormonal changes of menopause. This weakening of the pelvic muscles can cause a leakage, as physical strain pressing down on the pelvic area—such as a sneeze or Laugh, for example—causes the body to mistakenly register it as a signal to pee.
Urge incontinence, meanwhile, is when a sudden, strong desire to urinate arises. Though this incontinence is not caused directly by menopause, the weakened neurological pathways associated with decline of estrogen can increase the likelihood of the condition.
Treatment for Menopause-Related Incontinence
Though incontinence related to menopause can be alarming, it can be manageable with the right treatment and precautions.
Depending on the type of incontinence and the severity, treatment can vary—ranging from lifestyle changes and exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles to medications and, in extreme cases, surgery.
Other Menopause Health Concerns
In addition to bladder control, menopause can also raise the risk of developing other serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and even Type 2 Diabetes.
Therefore, it’s always important to discuss menopause-related health issues, such as incontinence, with a healthcare provider. A healthcare provider will be able to identify the cause of incontinence and the necessary steps—whether it’s lifestyle and dietary changes, natural supplements or medications—in order to manage it.
By discussing and treating menopause-related health issues, such as incontinence, women can remain in good health as they enter this stage in life.
