Ageing is something we all go through, but some changes are unique to women—like menopause. Menopause marks the permanent end of ovarian function and menstruation.

It’s a process that happens in stages:

• Perimenopause: The lead-up to menopause.
• Menopause: When you’ve gone 12 months without a period.
• Post-menopause: The stage after menopause when estrogen levels stay low, and periods are a thing of the past.

This journey typically kicks off between ages 45 and 55, with 51 being the average age. The whole process usually takes about seven years but can stretch up to 14 for some. How long it lasts—and how intense the symptoms are—varies from person to person.

In this article, we’ll dive into the symptoms of menopause, including how it can affect bladder and bowel function. Keep reading to learn more!

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Before diving into the symptoms of menopause, let’s break down what’s happening inside your body during this transition. It’s all about hormonal ups and downs.

During perimenopause, your ovaries have fewer mature eggs, leading to irregular ovulation and periods. This irregularity causes fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone, which eventually drop to very low levels.

By the time you reach menopause and postmenopause, your ovaries stop producing these hormones altogether.

Most of the common menopause symptoms actually show up during perimenopause, thanks to those shifting hormone levels. Here’s what you might experience:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes and sweating
• Trouble sleeping
• Mood swings and changes in sex drive
• Weight changes
• Vaginal and bladder issues—including incontinence

Understanding these changes can help you manage symptoms more effectively as you navigate this phase of life.

How can menopause cause incontinence?

Incontinence might feel like a taboo topic, but it’s extremely common, especially during menopause. Over 50% of postmenopausal women report experiencing it [1], and about 15% of women over 40 deal with bowel incontinence—a number that triples during menopause [2].

The drop in estrogen during menopause can impact your bladder and excretory systems in several ways:

Reduced bladder elasticity

With less elasticity, the bladder can’t stretch as effectively as it fills, which can irritate it and lead to an “overactive” bladder. This often means frequent bathroom trips, sudden urges to go, and difficulty holding it in.

Weakened pelvic floor muscles

The pelvic floor supports your bladder, uterus, and bowel and includes the anal and urinary sphincters, which control when you pee or poop. When these muscles weaken, it’s harder to hold on, and you might feel the need to go more often. If you’ve had childbirth-related sphincter damage, bowel control might worsen.

Thinning and drying of vaginal tissue

Known as vulvovaginal atrophy, this includes the tissue around the urethra and urinary tract. It’s super common during menopause and can lead to incontinence, irritation, and soreness [3].

These changes can result in different types of incontinence, like stress or urge incontinence. You might also find yourself waking up during the night with the urge to pee. It’s frustrating, but understanding what’s happening can be the first step to managing it!

How to manage incontinence during menopause

If you’re going through menopause (or gearing up for it), the first step is to check in with your doctor. They can offer tailored advice and prescribe medications to help ease symptoms. If incontinence is part of the mix, there are plenty of things you can do at home to take control and feel confident again.

Pelvic floor exercises

Strengthening your pelvic floor can make a big difference. These muscles help the anal and urinary sphincters do their job properly, so regular exercises can improve bladder and bowel control.

Lifestyle tweaks

Small changes can go a long way! Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and cutting back on caffeine can all help manage incontinence. Plus, losing any extra weight can reduce pressure on your bladder [4], making things more manageable.

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Incontinence during menopause doesn’t have to hold you back. With these tips and tools, you can keep living your everyday life comfortably and confidently!