Menopause Bladder Pressure

Some women experiencing menopause might encounter bladder problems. Your bladder might feel full even when it is not. This creates a feeling of urgency, and a feeling that you cannot hold your urine, which can cause leakage. The hormonal changes during this time are responsible.

Estrogen and the Bladder

• Estrogen plays a part in keeping the bladder lining and urethra healthy. Decreased estrogen production can negatively impact the tissue, leading to urinary problems. It also weakens the pelvic floor muscles involved in urination.

Estrogen Treatment

• Topical estrogen might relieve some of these problems. It is available in a cream, ring or patch by prescription only. These treatments are low-dose.

Kegel Exercises

• Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor, which can improve your ability to hold urine and reduce leakage. You can find these muscles by stopping the flow of urination mid-stream. Your doctor can offer guidance on how often to squeeze and release.

Reduce Bladder Irritation

• Refrain from smoking and limit or eliminate alcohol and caffeine; they irritate the bladder and increase urgency and frequency of urination.

Work with Your Doctor

• Your doctor can set up a bladder retraining schedule where you work on slowly increasing the time between bathroom breaks. He can also suggest certain medications and devices designed specifically for women that might help.