What is Menopause?
Menopause signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive phase and refers specifically to 12 months after the last menstrual period she experiences. It occurs when ovulation ceases, and the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone declines.
The Stages of Menopause:
- Perimenopause – This is the phase leading up to menopause, during which a woman may begin to experience a range of symptoms due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Menopause – This marks the time when a woman has not had her period in 12 months.
Symptoms of Menopause
Symptoms often begin during perimenopause, caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. These symptoms can last anywhere from 4 to 8 years, although they may be more severe and frequent around the time of the final period. Symptoms can vary greatly among women, as the hormonal changes influence many bodily functions.
Common symptoms include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Irregular or changed menstrual flow
- Aches and pains throughout the body
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety and depression
- Reduced libido
- Pelvic discomfort
Menopause and the Pelvic Floor
Vaginal health plays a key role in aging well for women. Estrogen helps maintain the strength and flexibility of the vulva, vagina, bladder, and pelvic floor muscles. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, many women experience pelvic issues, especially symptoms affecting the genitourinary system. These symptoms are now referred to as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).
What are the Symptoms of GSM?
- Vaginal and Vulvar Symptoms:
- Dryness
- Itching or burning sensations
- Vaginal shortening and narrowing
- Bladder Symptoms:
- Increased urgency to urinate
- Urinary incontinence
- Frequent bladder infections
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Painful urination (Dysuria)
- Sexual Symptoms:
- Painful intercourse (Dyspareunia)
- Decreased libido
- Pelvic Symptoms:
- A feeling of heaviness
- Pelvic organ prolapse
Some women may also experience bowel-related issues, such as difficulty controlling gas or fecal incontinence, due to pelvic floor muscle weakness caused by the decline in estrogen. These issues are more common in women with pre-existing pelvic floor weaknesses, possibly resulting from childbirth trauma, chronic constipation, coughing or a preexisting issue with inadequate pressure management in the abdominal canister.
It is reported that over 50% of postmenopausal women experience bothersome genitourinary symptoms. Unfortunately, due to the sensitive nature of these symptoms or a lack of awareness about available treatments, many women do not seek help. Unlike hot flashes and night sweats, which often decrease over time, pelvic symptoms tend to persist or even worsen if left untreated.
For More information and to learn more about how Pelvic Health Therapy can help with your specific symptoms
check out our website at pelvichealthnj.com and you can read this blog for more info.