Menopause Symptoms and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Aparnaa Nandakumar  MScPT
Pelvic Physiotherapist
updated Feb 17, 2025

As women navigate the various stages of menopause, from perimenopause to postmenopause, understanding and addressing genitourinary symptoms becomes increasingly important. Pelvic floor physiotherapy not only helps manage symptoms during menopause but also plays a crucial role during perimenopause in preparing for the changes ahead.

Preparing for Perimenopause

Perimenopause, often referred to as the transition to menopause, typically begins several years before menopause itself. During this time, hormonal fluctuations can trigger a range of symptoms, including irregular periods, hot flashes, mood changes, and yes, genitourinary issues.

Genitourinary Symptoms During Perimenopause

While often overlooked, genitourinary changes during perimenopause can still be significant.
Women may experience:

• Vaginal Dryness: Declining estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort, impacting sexual activity and overall comfort.
• Urinary Urgency and Frequency: Changes in bladder function may result in increased urgency and frequency of urination, disrupting daily activities.
• Pelvic Pain: Some women may experience pelvic pain or discomfort, which can affect their overall quality of life.

The Role of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Perimenopause

Addressing pelvic health during perimenopause can set the stage for managing symptoms during menopause. Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers several benefits during this transitional period.

1. Education and Awareness: Pelvic floor physiotherapists can educate women about the changes occurring in their bodies and provide strategies to maintain pelvic health. This may include advice on bladder habits, pelvic floor exercises, and lifestyle modifications.
2. Early Intervention: Starting pelvic floor physiotherapy during perimenopause allows women to address any existing pelvic floor dysfunction before it worsens with the onset of menopause.
3. Preventative Measures: Pelvic floor exercises and other interventions can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improve bladder control, and mitigate symptoms such as vaginal dryness and pelvic pain.

Transitioning to Menopause: Continuing with Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

As women transition from perimenopause to menopause, pelvic floor physiotherapy remains a valuable resource for managing genitourinary symptoms:

1. Continued Support: Pelvic floor physiotherapists can provide ongoing support and guidance as women navigate the changes associated with menopause.
2. Tailored Treatment: Treatment plans can be adjusted to address evolving symptoms and individual needs, ensuring optimal outcomes.
3. Holistic Approach: Pelvic floor physiotherapy takes a holistic approach to pelvic health, addressing not only physical symptoms but also psychological and emotional well-being.

Perimenopause and menopause bring significant changes to a woman’s life. Managing challenging genitourinary symptoms during this transition can feel overwhelming, but pelvic floor physiotherapy offers essential support. With expert guidance, you can strengthen your pelvic floor, alleviate symptoms, and confidently embrace this new phase of life.

Cornerstone Physiotherapy’s experienced pelvic floor physiotherapists can help with symptoms related to menopause and perimenopause. With locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area, get us on your team, and feel better, faster.

About the author

Aparnaa Nandakumar

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