Menopause-related pelvic floor weakness explained by a seasoned physical therapist, offering solutions for users.
The pelvic floor, a group of muscles that sit at the base of the pelvis, plays an essential role in bladder and bowel function. However, during menopause, these muscles can become weaker, leading to a host of issues such as incontinence and affect sexual function.
Women are more likely to be impacted by pelvic floor issues than men, due in part to hormones, the shape of bones, and wider pelvises. During menopause, the pelvic floor becomes less responsive and less active, and the muscle strength weakens primarily due to the beginning drop in estrogen levels, which leads to muscle weakness and changes in the pelvic area musculature.
Stress urinary continence is a common issue associated with menopause, and its symptoms can worsen during this time. Prolapse is another common pelvic floor issue associated with menopause, particularly for those who are hypermobile. A weak pelvic floor can lead to both of these problems.
However, strengthening the pelvic floor before and during menopause can help reduce the risk of these symptoms. Specific exercises such as Kegels can help strengthen the pelvic floor, but it's also important to strengthen the muscles surrounding the pelvic floor, including the glutes and abdominal muscles.
O'Brien offers a workout to help strengthen the pelvic floor, requiring no equipment and can be done at home. Strength training, including exercises for the pelvic floor, becomes more important as we age to counteract the natural tendency to get weaker. The stronger one is, the better their quality of life is likely to be into older age.
One small study shows that 83% of women between the ages of 18 and 59 have experienced a pelvic floor health symptom in the past year. This underscores the importance of taking steps to maintain pelvic floor health, especially during menopause when the risk of pelvic floor issues can become even greater.
In conclusion, strengthening the pelvic floor is a crucial step towards maintaining quality of life, especially during menopause. By incorporating exercises into one's routine and taking proactive steps to maintain pelvic floor health, women can help reduce the risk of pelvic floor issues and enjoy a better quality of life.
