Menopause can cause incontinence due to declining estrogen levels, which can weaken the muscles that control the urethra and bladder. As women go through menopause, they may experience the following bladder control issues:
- Urge incontinence - a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine
- Stress incontinence - unintentional urine leakage caused by physical activity like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising
- Overflow incontinence - frequent or constant dribbling due to the bladder not emptying completely
- Mixed incontinence - a combination of both stress and urge urinary incontinence
The causes behind menopausal incontinence include:
- Hormonal changes - Estrogen helps maintain muscle tone in pelvic floor muscles. Declining estrogen can weaken these muscles and cause incontinence.
- UTIs or vaginal infections - Infections can irritate the bladder, causing urgency and frequency. Recurrent infections are common during menopause.
- Previous pregnancies and childbirth - Vaginal deliveries can sometimes damage pelvic floor/bladder support structures and lead to incontinence later.
Some treatment options for menopausal incontinence include:
- Kegel exercises - Pelvic floor muscle exercises to strengthen bladder control. Doing Kegels regularly can reduce urinary leakage by up to 70% for some women.
- Lifestyle changes - Losing extra weight, limiting caffeine/acidic foods, managing fluids can help. Shedding excess pounds eliminates pressure on the bladder while avoiding bladder irritants reduces urgency.
- Vaginal estrogen - Using a low-dose topical vaginal estrogen can help urinary tissues. Creams, tablets or rings supply estrogen directly to vaginal tissue to improve elasticity.
- Medications - Anticholinergics like oxybutynin or the beta-3 agonist mirabegron can help by targeting overactive bladders or poor relaxation. Side effects may include dry mouth, constipation or increased blood pressure.
- Medical devices like pessaries - Devices that support falling pelvic organs can take pressure off the urethra and reduce leakage. Side effects are typically minimal, but improper fit or placement can cause discomfort or complications.
Options like biofeedback training, Botox injections, electrical stimulation or even surgery are available for more severe cases. Seeking help is important, as untreated incontinence tends to worsen over time. A urogynecologist or urologist specializing in female pelvic medicine can properly evaluate symptoms, rule out serious conditions, and explore both nonsurgical treatments and surgery.
Reach out to Optimal Hormone Health Center for a consultation today to develop an individualized plan based on your symptoms and needs. As leaders in women's hormonal health and wellness throughout
perimenopause, menopause and beyond, we pride ourselves on compassionate care, open communication and groundbreaking solutions personalized to enhance quality of life for women of all ages.
Let us help you reclaim control over your bladder so you can continue pursuing everything else that sparks joy during this transition and the exciting chapters still to come!
