How Pelvic Floor Physio’s can help in menopause

This post is for the ladies out there who are going through peri/ post menopause. Share this to anyone you know who is in this phase of life. 

One of the group of symptoms linked to the changes during this time are known as ‘genitourinary syndrome of menopause’. It describes changes that occur at the vagina, vulva and urinary tract due to the reduction in estrogen. 

Estrogens role is to improve muscle bulk, skin integrity and blood flow. With the reduction in estrogen during menopause we see the skin thinning, the muscles in the pelvic floor become weaker and less elastic and the vagina can become dry. 

This can lead to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, UTI’s, bladder urgency, stress urinary incontinence, pain with sex and prolapse. 

Some of the ways pelvic floor physiotherapists can help you with these symptoms are:

• Pelvic floor muscle exercise training 

• Bladder retraining techniques

• Bladder emptying strategies 

• Advice on sex: Positions, use of lubricants (such as our Olive & Bee) 

• Trialling internal support devices as needed

• Referrals to your GP for prescription of estrogen creams 

Whilst these symptoms can be quite debilitating, it’s important to know there is so much that can be done to help. Reach out to your local women’s health physio to see for yourself! 

If you are a local to the Hills in Victoria you can book with me here.

You can purchase the Olive & Bee lubricant here