Menopause and Urogenital Problems

Menopause and the Urinary System: Supporting Your Body with Lifestyle Changes, Herbal Medicine, and Osteopathy.

As women transition through menopause, the hormonal changes, particularly decreased estrogen, can affect the urogenital system. The urinary system often mirrors the challenges faced by the reproductive system due to their proximity, common origins, and shared pathways. This issue explores common urinary symptoms and how lifestyle changes, herbal medicine, and osteopathy can help.

Understanding Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)

During menopause, women may notice changes in their "water-works" as estrogenlevels decline. Some of the most common lower urinary tract symptoms include:

• Stress Incontinence: Leaking urine during activities that increase pressure on the bladder, like coughing, sneezing, or jumping.

• Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate, sometimes resulting in leakage before reaching the toilet.

• Overactive Bladder: Frequent urges to urinate, including at night (nocturia), often with feelings of incomplete emptying.

These symptoms are influenced by hormonal changes, specifically estrogen loss, which affects the muscles, tissues, and pH balance in the urogenital area.

The Role of Estrogen in Pelvic Health

Estrogen deficiency affects the collagen in pelvic floor tissues, weakening the muscles and ligaments that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. This can lead to prolapses, including:

• Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele)

• Uterine Prolapse

• Rectal Prolapse (Rectocele)

Without proper support, women are at higher risk for complications like urinary tract infections (UTIs), urethritis, and interstitial cystitis.

How You Can Support Your Pelvic Health Naturally

1. Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid soaps and detergents on the vulva: Warm water is enough for daily cleansing to prevent irritation and preserve the natural balance of microorganisms.

2. Herbal Remedies: Herbal medicine offers gentle, effective options for soothing, toning, and supporting the urinary tract:

• Chamomile, Marigold, and Lavender: For gentle, soothing washes that have anti-infective properties.

• Bearberry, Horsetail, and Buchu: Anti-microbial and astringent herbs that help fight infections and tone tissues.

• Echinacea and Withania: Immune-stimulating herbs to boost the body’s defense against infections.

3. Osteopathy for Pelvic Floor Support: Osteopathy can address the mechanical and structural aspects of the pelvic floor. By using manual techniques, it helps restore normal pelvic floor function, improving incontinence and prolapse symptoms.

4. Hypopressive Breathing Exercises: Once the pelvic floor is stabilized, hypopressive breathing exercises offer a powerful way to maintain strength and prevent further weakening, aiding in long-term pelvic floor health.

If you're interested in exploring a natural approach to managing menopause, feel free to contact Catherine using the details below.  And for more information go to www.menopauseinfo.org and www.imsociety.org

Contact details: for more information and advice:    

Registered Osteopath and Medical Herbalist, Withacupuncture training and rehabilitation pilates instructor training. At George Morris Physiotherapy Clinics in Hindley and AshtonDirect line: 07828261152;  email: catherine.w12@hotmail.com;  Website: www.herbalosteopathiclife.com

Herbal Osteopathic Life