Menopause can cause various symptoms that affect the bladder and urinary system, including bladder pressure. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, tissues in the urethra and bladder become thinner and weaker. This can allow the bladder to fall out of its normal position and press against the vagina, causing bladder pressure.
Some key points about menopause and bladder pressure:
- The drop in estrogen thin out the lining of the urethra and bladder, making it less elastic and more prone to pressure issues
- Urinary incontinence is common during menopause as pelvic floor muscles weaken
- Up to 23% of postmenopausal women experience some form of urinary incontinence
- Urgency incontinence - a sudden urge to urinate that results in leakage - is particularly common
Causes of menopausal bladder pressure:
- Uterine prolapse - when the uterus drops down into the vagina, it can put pressure on the bladder
- Cystocele - part of the bladder bulges into the vagina, causing a feeling of pressure
- Weakened pelvic muscles - this allows organs to press against the bladder
Symptoms of bladder pressure may include:
- Feeling of heaviness or swelling in the pelvic area
- Urinary leaking or incontinence
- Urinating frequently and urgently
- Painful urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Recurrent bladder infections
Treatments that may help with menopausal bladder pressure:
- Vaginal estrogen therapy - helps strengthen tissues and improve tone
- Bladder training techniques - aids bladder control
- Kegel exercises - strengthen pelvic floor muscles
- Pessary device - provides structural support
In severe cases, surgery such as
bladder sling procedures may be done to provide support and lift pressure off the bladder.
Seeking treatment is important, as chronic bladder pressure can lead to:
- Urinary tract infections
- Incontinence
- Kidney damage in extreme cases
If you're experiencing troubling
urinary symptoms that interfere with daily life, see your healthcare provider for personalized treatment options.
At Optimal Hormone Health Center, our practitioners specialize in hormone balancing during midlife changes like menopause. We provide customized bioidentical hormone therapy to help manage symptoms. Contact us for a consultation today!
