Menopause can definitely make you feel like you have to urinate more frequently. This is a common symptom that many women experience as they go through menopause. There are a few reasons why this happens:
- Declining estrogen levels - Estrogen helps keep the lining of the urethra and bladder healthy. As estrogen decreases with menopause, this tissue can become drier, thinner and more easily irritated. This can make you feel a frequent and sudden urge to urinate.
- Pelvic floor issues - The pelvic floor muscles can become weaker with age and the changes of menopause. Weak pelvic muscles may have trouble fully supporting the bladder and urethra, contributing to urges and leakage.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) - The hormonal changes of menopause can increase a woman's risk of developing UTIs. The constant urge to urinate and pain while voiding are common UTI symptoms.
Some other factors that can make it feel like you have to pee all the time with menopause include:
- Drinking more fluids
- Consuming bladder irritants like caffeine or alcohol
- Suffering from anxiety or sleep issues
- Gaining weight, which puts more pressure on the bladder
- Developing a uterine prolapse or cystocele
If you are experiencing frequent or uncontrolled urges to urinate around the time of menopause, don't assume it's normal or something you just need to live with. There are effective solutions available, such as:
- Estrogen therapy - Systemic or local vaginal estrogen can help restore thinning tissue in the urethra and vagina to reduce urgency and leakage. This is often the first line treatment.
- Incontinence pads - Light bladder leakage is common with menopausal urgency. Pads can help give you confidence and peace of mind as you go about your day.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy - A pelvic floor PT can give you exercise and techniques for strengthening your pelvic floor to gain control over urges and leakage episodes.
- Medications - There are several prescription medications that can help calm overactive bladder and reduce incidents of incontinence.
- Dietary changes - Avoiding bladder irritants, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight may provide some relief.
At Renew Hormone Institute(/), our clinicians specialize in treating menopause-related urinary symptoms. We provide cutting-edge hormone therapies and complementary treatment approaches to help women find relief.
Treatment Options Available
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Estrogen pills, patches, gels, rings
- Often effective for urinary issues
- Pads and protective products
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles
- Prescription medications
- Help calm overactive bladders
- Diet and lifestyle changes
Don't assume frequent urination is inevitable with menopause. Reach out - there are solutions available to help gain control over your symptoms. Consider making an appointment with a menopause specialist if urinary issues persist despite self-care efforts.
