Menopause is a normal phase of a woman’s life, and it doesn’t matter how much you read up about menopause or how prepared you think you are, some of the changes it brings can still take you by surprise.
While symptoms like hot flashes are well known, shifting hormone levels can also affect bladder function and, for some women, lead to incontinence.
Understanding the link between hormonal changes and incontinence during menopause can help you take control and manage symptoms with confidence.
Menopause and Urinary Symptoms
Menopause is when you haven’t had a period for a full year, and it typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55.1
Along with changes like vaginal dryness, some women notice urinary symptoms during menopause like bladder leaks, nighttime peeing, urinary frequency, and urgency.1
While these changes are common, not every woman will experience them.1
How is Urinary Incontinence Connected to Menopause?
Hormonal changes and bladder control are linked. Estrogen is an important hormone that maintains the health of your bladder and urethra,2 keeping the tissues well-lubricated, elastic and thick.2
When estrogen levels drop during menopause, these tissues can become thinner and more sensitive, which sometimes leads to irritation or leaks.2
Losing some of the protective function of estrogen also makes the tissues more vulnerable to infection.2
Another low estrogen symptom is that the pelvic muscles that hold your urine in can weaken.2,3
If incontinence does show up, remember it’s not your fault. Menopause is linked to urological symptoms like urinary incontinence because of all these changes in your body and with your hormones.3
Why Does Urinary Incontinence Get Worse During Menopause?
Incontinence may feel worse during menopause for several reasons, not just because of low estrogen or age-related changes causing bladder weakness.4 Other contributing factors 5 could include:
- obesity
- urinary tract infections
- certain medications
While this isn’t a comprehensive list, there are other factors that could contribute to bladder weakness. If you’re experiencing symptoms, you should talk to a doctor to help identify any underlying causes.
Types of Urinary Incontinence in Menopause
There are several types of incontinence, but these are the most common during menopause:
- Stress incontinence: You might notice leaks during activities like laughing, coughing or sneezing, which put pressure on the bladder.6
- Urge incontinence: An overactive bladder in menopause may feel like a sudden, strong urge to pee, with leaks happening immediately or shortly after.1,6
- Mixed incontinence: This is a combination of both stress and urge incontinence. Leaks may happen during activities like sneezing, or when you experience intense urges.6
If you’re experiencing drips and dribbles due to stress-, urge-, or mixed incontinence, you should explore TENA’s range of incontinence products, designed to help prevent skin irritation. Available in multiple absorbency levels, and designed to keep you dry, comfortable and confident.
Getting Help for Menopause and Incontinence
It’s understandable that talking about hormonal changes and incontinence can be embarrassing, but your doctor is there to help. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Whether you’re experiencing leaks, urinary urgency or frequency, discussing your symptoms is a great first step.
Menopause can also bring many changes that may affect your mental health, such as anxiety or mood swings. Your doctor can also help you navigate these challenges.
Treatments for Menopausal Urinary Symptoms
Treatments for your symptoms can be both medical and non-medical.6 Depending on the severity and type of issue,6 your doctor may suggest the following to help with your estrogen levels and bladder health:
- Pelvic floor exercises: Kegel exercises can help with pelvic floor weakness.5
- Medications: Some are prescribed for incontinence during menopause.5
- Topical estrogen: May support vaginal tissue health.2
- Bladder training: Could help manage urges and leaks.5
- Biofeedback training: Could help train your pelvic floor muscles5
- Surgery: Usually after your doctor considers all other options
5
Managing Incontinence During Menopause
While you get support from your doctor, some lifestyle changes and practical approaches could help you stay confident and comfortable:
- Reduce bladder irritants like caffeine, fizzy drinks, and alcohol5
- Maintain a healthy weight5
- Use incontinence products to manage leaks, like TENA sensitive care pads
- Manage your fluid intake and timing5
- Plan your bathroom breaks ahead of time
- Sit closer to a toilet during social events or while traveling
- Keep a simple diary of foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms, and limit them when possible
- Carry a discreet essentials bag, so you feel prepared wherever you go
- Have someone you trust to talk to on days that feel overwhelming
- Wear dark or layered clothing
FAQs
Does your bladder drop during menopause?
Not necessarily. Lower estrogen levels during menopause could weaken pelvic tissues over time, which may increase the risk of prolapse.7 Some women might experience it during or after menopause, while many do not.7
How to stop female urine leakage during menopause
Incontinence during menopause isn’t something you have to live with. With the right support from your doctor and a few practical strategies, you could find ways to reduce leaks and feel more confident.5
Simple lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight and reducing bladder irritants, along with practical strategies like using incontinence products, planning ahead, and tracking your diet, can make a noticeable difference over time.5
How to manage urine leaking during menopause?
You can manage leaks by using specialized products, like TENA, designed to absorb fluids quickly, prevent skin irritation, and keep you dry and confident. If you’re experiencing drips and dribbles during menopause as many women do, explore TENA’s range of incontinence products, designed to help protect you against urinary leakage.