Ah menopause! What is there not to love!

Menopause is the stage that signals the end of the female reproductive life – the last menstrual cycle. The average age for menopause to occur naturally is between 45-55 years old. For some women menopause can be ‘forced’ either surgically or medically.

Peri-menopause is the stage in life that preludes menopause. Menstrual cycles become more irregular and flow changes. Peri-menopause can last many years. If you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months, this is known as the post menopausal phase.

Associated with menopause women can experience a variety of symptoms such as

• Hot flushes
• Weight gain
• Reduced bone strength
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Poor sleep
• Joint pain
• Mood changes

Menopause can also cause changes around the pelvic region such as:

• A loss in libido
• Vaginal dryness which can cause pain with intercourse
• Thinning of the vaginal tissues
• Urinary incontinence
• Frequently voiding and bladder urgency
• Waking overnight to void frequently
• Constipation or diarrhea
  Unable to control wind
• Reduced pelvic floor strength

These changes associated with your pelvic area, during this phase can be troublesome for some.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of the many conservative measures that can help menopausal women during this time in life. Let’s not let those dwarves take control!