Menopause and Bladder Problems: An Introduction
Some women have bladder control problems after they stop having periods (
menopause or change of life). If you are going through menopause and have
bladder problems, talk to your healthcare professional.
The Impact of Estrogen on Menopause and Bladder Problems
After your periods end, your body stops making the female hormone, estrogen. Estrogen controls many things, such as:
- How your body matures
- Your monthly periods
- Body changes during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Some scientists believe that estrogen may help keep the lining of the bladder and urethra plump and healthy. They think lack of estrogen could contribute to weakness of the bladder control muscles.
Recent studies have raised doubts about the benefits of taking estrogen after menopause. The studies also point to added risks from taking estrogen for many years. No studies have shown that taking estrogen improves bladder control in women who have gone through menopause. Your doctor can suggest many other possible treatments to improve bladder control.
Menopause and Bladder Problems: Stress and Urge Incontinence
Pressure from coughing, sneezing, or lifting can push urine through the weakened muscle. This kind of leakage is called stress incontinence. It is one of the most common kinds of bladder control problems in older women.
A very common kind of bladder control problem for older women is urge incontinence. This means the bladder muscles squeeze at the wrong time -- or all the time -- and cause leakage.
If you have this problem, your healthcare professional can help you retrain yourself to go to the toilet on a schedule.
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