Menopause is a natural biological process that profoundly impacts pelvic floor health, often leading to conditions such as urinary incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, and more. As estrogen levels decrease, the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues weaken, making these issues prevalent. Research by the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) highlights that nearly 50% of postmenopausal women worldwide suffer from at least one form of pelvic floor disorder.
This widespread issue significantly affects the quality of life, contributing to physical discomfort, emotional distress, and social isolation. By understanding the link between menopause and pelvic floor health, women can better address the associated challenges. Before we discuss this further, let’s have an overview of the stages of menopause and their related symptoms.
What is Menopause?
Unlike the menstrual cycle, which signifies the beginning of a woman's fertility, menopause marks the end of menstruation and fertility.
When Does Menopause Start?
Wondering what age does menopause start? It occurs between ages 45 to 55 and is officially confirmed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
Stages of Menopause and Their Primary Symptoms
Understanding these stages can help women better manage their health throughout this significant life transition. Here, have a look at each stage and the signs of menopause in detail:
1. Perimenopause
Perimenopause typically begins in a woman's 40s but can start earlier or later. During this stage, the ovaries gradually decrease estrogen production, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles. Women can experience a range of symptoms during this stage:
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Decreased libido
Sleep disturbances
Mood swings
Changes in menstrual flow
2. Menopause
Menopause is the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Common symptoms include:
Vaginal dryness
Changes in libido
Memory issues
Thinning hair
3. Postmenopause
It refers to the years after menopause when the body has adjusted to the lower estrogen levels. Health risks associated with low estrogen levels, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, become more significant in postmenopause.
What is a Pelvic Floor?
It is a group of muscles and connective tissues positioned at the base of the pelvis, which has several important functions:
Supports pelvic organs
Controls bladder
Bowel functions
Stabilizes the core
During menopause, estrogen levels decline naturally and contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction that can cause various conditions.
Connection Between Menopause and the Pelvic Floor
Vaginal health is crucial for maintaining overall well-being as women age. And estrogen plays a crucial role in keeping the tissues of the vulva, vagina, bladder, and pelvic floor muscles strong and flexible. As women approach menopause, declining estrogen levels can contribute affect the pelvic floor, thus contributing to GSM.
What is Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, and Why Does it Occur?
The vagina, vestibule of the vulva, urethra, and bladder all contain high estrogen levels. During menopause, the decline in estrogen affects various tissues and functions in the pelvic region. This drop in estrogen often results in various genitourinary symptoms that affect the genitals and urinary tract. Historically known as Atrophic Vaginitis or Vulvovaginal Atrophy (VVA), these symptoms have recently been reclassified as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).
Symptoms of GSM and Their Impact on Pelvic Floor Health
Below, we will talk about each symptom in detail and examine how they impact pelvic floor health.
1. Vaginal/Vulval Symptoms
a. Vaginal Dryness
It is characterized by a lack of moisture in the vaginal tissues, leading to discomfort and irritation. Dryness can make the vaginal tissues more prone to tearing or injury and lead to painful intercourse and affect the pelvic floor muscles.
b. Vaginal Shortening and Narrowing
It occurs as the vaginal tissues lose their elasticity and flexibility, which makes the vaginal canal feel tighter and less accommodating. Together, these impact the pelvic floor by reducing the space available for pelvic organs and affecting their support.
2. Sexual Symptoms
a. Pain or Discomfort with Sexual Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
Painful intercourse can lead to reduced sexual activity and intimacy, which contributes to a sense of frustration and emotional distress. The physical discomfort can also affect the pelvic floor muscles, increasing tension and discomfort.
3. Bladder and Urinary Symptoms
a. Urinary Urge
The urinary urge is characterized by a sudden, strong need to urinate. It occurs due to changes in bladder tissue and muscle tone resulting from decreased estrogen. Frequent urges can lead to increased strain on the pelvic floor muscles as they work to manage and control bladder function.
b. Urinary Incontinence
Weakened pelvic floor muscles due to GSM can impair the ability to control urine flow, leading to increased leakage. According to the National Institutes of Health, around 30% of women aged 50-59 report urinary incontinence, and this number rises to 50% for those over 80.
c. Pain with Urination (Dysuria)
Dysuria is characterized by pain or discomfort during urination, often caused by inflammation or irritation of the urinary tract. Painful urination can lead to anxiety and discomfort around the pelvic area. Persistent dysuria can affect the pelvic floor muscles by causing additional strain and contributing to muscle tension.
4. Heaviness: Pelvic Organ Prolapse
a. Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when weakened pelvic floor muscles and tissues cause the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) to descend into or outside the vaginal canal. A study from the International Urogynecological Association estimates that pelvic organ prolapse affects up to 20% of women who have gone through menopause.
If you are looking for a natural herbal formula to mitigate the menopausal symptoms due to low estrogen, consider adding an estrogen support supplement from The Wellness Club to your daily diet. Taking 3 capsules per day or as directed by your qualified healthcare practitioner is recommended.
Wrapping Up
Women are advised to adopt a multifaceted approach to strengthening their bodies to cope with the symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Engaging in pelvic floor exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a diet rich in essential nutrients can help reduce the impact of these symptoms on pelvic floor health.
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