Menopause is associated with a variety of changes in the female body, many of which are well-known, including hot flashes, mood swings, and problems sleeping. But what often remains unsaid is how menopause affects the pelvic floor. These alterations may result in discomfort, urinary problems, and sometimes pelvic pain, with an enormous impact on quality of life.
Knowing this link between menopause symptoms and pelvic pain is the first step in identifying, addressing, and treating the causes. In this article, we’ll discuss menopause symptoms and pelvic pain, including causes and treatment options.
The Role of Estrogen in Pelvic Floor Health
Estrogen is important for keeping muscles and connective tissue throughout the body, including the pelvic floor, strong and elastic. The bladder, uterus, and bowel are held in place by the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor.
Like any muscle, these muscles can atrophy as estrogen plummets during menopause. It may result in urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and an inability to have intercourse. Lots of women also have a sense of fullness, heaviness, or even a gnawing down in the lower pelvis at the same time, which can be confused with other stomach or bowel problems.
Common Pelvic Floor Changes During Menopause
While every woman’s experience with menopause is unique, certain pelvic floor changes tend to be more prevalent than others:
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Loss of Muscle Tone: Without estrogen, the pelvic tissues become thinner and less elastic.
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Higher Risk of Incontinence: With weak pelvic muscles, it becomes more difficult to control urination, like when you sneeze, cough, or work out.
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Pelvic Pain or Aching: Vaginal dryness, irritation, and tightness in the pelvic floor muscles can lead to ongoing or occasional pelvic pain.
- Organ Shifts: Sometimes, organs like the bladder or uterus can shift or prolapse because they lack the muscular support they need.
Menopause Symptoms and Pelvic Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
The relationship between menopause symptoms and pelvic pain is due to the hormonal loss that we experience with menopause and the loss of strength of the pelvic floor. Luckily, there are several ways in which we can suppress and treat these symptoms:
1. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Targeted exercises like Kegels and guided physiotherapy can also be useful to redevelop strength and coordination in the pelvic floor. A trained professional can evaluate your muscle function and take you through a plan specific to your recovery.
2. Topical Estrogen Therapy
Some women benefit from localized estrogen treatments (creams, vaginal rings) that can restore tissue thickness and alleviate symptoms like dryness and irritation. These are generally recommended by a physician and monitored.
3. Natural Supplements and Support
Some women find relief in natural menopause support supplements that can help gently balance hormones and support tissue health. Other types of products, like those containing plant-based phytoestrogens and anti-inflammatory ingredients, can be used with other treatments.
Many women find relief with hyaluronic acid (HA) suppositories. These HA inserts show promising results in helping with menopause symptoms. Besides, vitamin E suppositories such as E-Soothe Inserts have proven to help women manage vaginal dryness and irritation.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
Avoiding constipation, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding high-impact exercise are also beneficial. The good news is that small lifestyle changes could help prevent these symptoms from getting worse.
5. Mind-Body Therapies
Physical therapy and other relaxation techniques like yoga and biofeedback can help teach your muscles to relax and can be especially effective if your pain is associated with muscle spasms or anxiety.
When to See a Specialist
If you are dealing with pelvic pain, incontinence, or any unpleasantness that is making life difficult during a time of significant bodily distress, do not ignore it. These are very common and highly treatable complaints. With the help of a gynecologist, physiotherapist, or menopause specialist, you may be able to address the cause and have a targeted treatment plan.
You’re Not Alone. There Are Options.
The changes in your pelvic floor that occur during menopause are normal but they don’t need to be something you just “deal” with. With the right information and a little support, it is possible to regain your strength, decrease your discomfort, and feel confident in your body again.
At New Life Naturals we stand behind women’s well-being every step of the journey, including menopause. Our educational information and natural remedies will help you take control of your health, naturally.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
