Before I go running off to the doctor tell me if there is a connection between a weaker bladder and menopause. It's been getting worse for the past year or so. You name it - sneezing, coughing, unexpected leakage. The doctor put me on HRT (plant extract) but I've been really bad about taking it. I started worrying that this was something else, something structural. Is it common with menopause?

Could be but yours sounds excessive. I would definitely get it checked out. There are exercises we can do for this as well and they are very helpful....

Yes, I have found my bladder seems to be weaker since menopause. Had more UTI for sure.
Same with me for the sneezing, coughing...it's best to have it checked out to make sure there is no other medical condition, to blame.


These exercise's help...
http://www.mwsexual.com/readingroom/articles/kegel-exercises.htm

After childbirth and as we age and produce less of the protective hormones our uterus drops placing pressure on the bladder. This causes it to feel full when it's not creating an urgency to urinate. UTI's are more common at this time as the flora in the bladder and vaginal area become more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations.

As the ladies said, a trip to your gynecologist is in order to see what, if anything really needs to be done.

It's also a good time to check out some books on menopause at your library. Learning all you can about this stage of our life places us at an advantage when you go to the doctor. You will be better informed and able to ask intelligent questions. A woman who actively participates in her own health care fares far better than one who only relies on the doctors answers.

I used to date a urologist who should have been a protologist...don't get me started. But he told me that this usually starts at 40 so I'm happy that my bladder didn't start this until recently. I better be close to a bathroom or a sneeze, cough or laughing can cause "leakage." I think it comes with age and giving birth.

Hey, men have prostrate problems so maybe this is our curse?

Dianne, I have noticed now that I'm through menopause I don't have this happen as much if at all. I always wear a panty liner every day just in case.

I have heard that estrogen strengthens the vaginal walls and keeps organs in their respective places.

Those exercises Chatty was referring to are called Kegels.

bumpedy bumpedy bump

(bumping up this post)
chick

suzieq, if it's any consolation to you I have noticed that after, um, urinating, when I stand up I do get some leakage. I guess I need a plumber, (a young handsome one) ooo, don't get me started, I'm in one of those silly moods this morning.

This is not a response to the original question but thought I'd ask it here while we're on the subject. I turned 53 last month. Shouldn't I be having some signs of menopause by now? My period is still every 28 days exactly and I am no moodier now than when I was in my 20's, 30's or 40's. I had what I thought was a hot flash a couple of years ago and that's it. Periods do eventually stop don't they?!?! My mom had a hysterectomy in her early 40's so I can't go by her history and my sister was all done with everything by the time she was 54 but it took her like ten years from start to finish! Except for when I was pregnant or nursing I've had these things once a month since I was 11! I'm ready for them to end now!

Well, all I can say is we're all different in this respect. I've had friends who went through menopause even earlier than I did. You just never know. You probably have had a hot flash every now and again, but heck, if you feel good and you're getting at least a yearly checkup with your gynecologist why worry?

You are probably in the middle of menopause but not having any problems, not everyone does. As far as the periods they will stop when they are ready to. And yes they do stop never to be heard from again, that is so liberating....My own menopause came and went with nary a hot flash so be happy you might also be one of the lucky ones..

[ January 18, 2006, 04:18 PM: Message edited by: chatty lady ]

In my case as I approached menopause I'd have a period one month then none the next. Sometimes I'd skip two or three months.

Then I went a full year with no period at all and there it was, one last one. That was well over a year ago and no periods since.

I've got to agree with Chatty, not having a period is liberating!

My menopause was "manufactured" not natural. I had my tubes tied when I was in my 20's after I had 3 children. About 6 years after that I had a hysterectomy to remove my uterus and cervix because of tumors and excessive bleeding. No more periods.

Approximately 10 years later I had my ovaries removed because of tumors again. Instant Menopause. My doctor put me on HRT for maybe a year, but took me off when the stories came out about how bad it was. So, I went "natural" with my treatment using Estroven at first, and now a special combination of ingredients I get from Lifescript.

From the time I had my ovaries removed, a lot of pressure was released from my bladder. I didn't have to go as much. But, I gradually noticed a leakage and a tendency to have to cross my legs when I sneezed. It was really annoying. I was constantly wearing and changing panty liners that I felt like I was having my period again.

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar. It took many different medications before my doctor and I found a combination that has stabilized me. One of those medications has a significant "side effect". It stops urine leakage. I swear! My doctor even told me ... and if it didn't happen to me, I would have been skeptical. But, it did. I no longer have any embarrassing urine leakage. I threw away the panty liners and I can sneeze without looking for the nearest bathroom.

It also has another great "side effect". It stops pain at the nerve endings from reaching the brain. I used to be in constant debilitating pain in my back. Not anymore. Now, it doesn't fix the problem that causes the pain. That's still there. But, it just keeps me from feeling the pain.

Amazing, huh?

Suzieq, The med is Cymbalta. It works.. It takes a while for it to take affect. It doesn't happen as soon as you start taking the med, but it builds up. THen one day, bam! THe pain is gone. The pee leaks stop.

:-)

Vicki, it's nice to hear about a medicine that has positive side effects. That's great.

Age alone can affect bladder control. My sisters are both nurses, and they say the Kegel (sp?) exercises are really great for that. They both suggested starting there, just like after having a baby, to tighten up the muscles, and it should help with the bladder control AND maybe improve your sex life.

I've been going through menopause for 13 years now. Real nice, just a gradual decrease in periods for the first couple of years, then no more. Hot flashes (for me) are gentle warmings that last a couple minutes, then are gone. Only a problem in the summer. No mood swings, no "ditziness" (my mom's symptom!), no massive hot flashes, no drugs. Just there I was, here I am. I liked it!

I am so glad to finally hear that someone else besides me coasted through Menopause in a natural and easy manner. I was beginning to think I was a odd ball or something...

At 45, went toEurope/ my period, never to see that again!!! So...I say, take a trip. anyway
my doctor told me my test showed no more estrogen in my body. Nada, gone. she told me what was happening was "someone is knocking at your door, no answer, so knocking harder, still no answer, so the knocking gets heavier, problem is, Sandi, no one's home" wah......but when she told me menapause could last 10 YEARS! I freaked. And it did...gone, history, Thank You
My Higher Power!!! as for leakage, after I am done urninating...I get up, pull up my panites, and sometimes....oops there's more!!! but things could be worse...and yes, cough, laugh ...still happens....when I pee all over the floor with no
warning, that's when I'll worry. Kegal exercises
don't help, probably because I forget to do them!

Not exactly the same subject, but menapause did cause my belly to get a bit larger!!! and larger!
and no, I didn't exercise...however, recently,
I'm taking a shower and as I'm washing, I could not imagine what was "down there" until I realized it was my thong!!!! I LOL...so funny, just thought I'd share THAT embarrassing moment!
Did it cause me to exercise? nah....

That is too funny and you are so courages to tell us about it even though I bet thats why many are afraid to wear thongs. I once said no need to wear one no one could see it anyhow, LOL...Exercise, nah, me neither...and ruin this matronly well earned psychique?? I think not!

chatty lady: I am not ashamed to tell the truth.
after all, at my age who gives a darn...as for the thongs, I hate panty lines to show, but I also dislike the back sticking tight in my behind! The "dunn lap disease" that I do mind, my when belly is dunlapin' over my pants...!! lol

You girls are to much for me. I never worn thongs and never will .This reminds of when I was at the mall and passed Victoria Secrets two old men were stareing at the manican with the bra and thongs on . I got a laugh out of that . Crazy old me had nothing to do , but stare at the thongs . I thought Gee....

[ March 02, 2006, 10:22 PM: Message edited by: Renee ]

I had some bladder leakage, totally involuntary, nothing to do with running, coughing, sneezing etc but it doesn't happen anymore since I had my hysterectomy. I'm sure it was a heavy uterus pushing on my bladder that made it happen.

I learnt a wonderful way to urinate and strengthen the pelvic floor at the same time from a physiotherapist who specializes in women's health.

One needs to lean forward, down to between the spread legs.....this imitates the natural squatting position we should really be using. It then puts pressure on the bladder to empty naturally. When you are finished, imagine you need to flick off the drops and do 3 quick flicks, then another 3, wipe and then another 3. Get into the habit and you are doing the exercises several times a day without even having to think about doing them.

It's a good idea to teach your daughters too.

[ March 05, 2006, 09:52 PM: Message edited by: flossie ]

ROTFLMAO...sorry but trying to picture this did it to me. Do you flick from side to side or up and down???

Ha ha chatty lady, I definately LOL at that comment!! Love to see you try and do it side to side!!

Cartwheel, the exact timing of menopause varies widely. My aunt did not have her last period until she was in her early sixties. So don't be concerned. It will happen when it happens.

bladder ... bladder ... bladder ... blah!

Wear panty liners all the time, except at nite ... and still have to have a jump start to get to a close bathroom to not overflow the pad ... worse in the morning than in the evenings. But I also drink a lot of water & coffee.

I am so use to it I don't think I would know a not use to it day

Yes I agree. I was thinking of writing a book that would map out all the clean bathrooms on a particular route:)

I'd like to say that my bladder leakages have totally gone after having a hysterectomy! I'm sure it's the pressure of the uterus on your bladder. The bowel and bladder now have free floating space ;-)

I now, no longer need a panty liner and have no problem when coughing, sneezing, running or jumping!

I have had a hysterectomy and can say at least for me, it doesn't make any difference at all. Best not be around me when I sneeze...

JJ

Oh dear....there goes my theory. Maybe it's the pelvic floor muscles, I have very strong ones. Anyone ever had a perinometer test??

Oh dear, I've had bladder problems since my hysterectomy. I think it is a menopause thing. Of course, that is just my opinion. I had to have a cystoscopy a couple of years ago. That was not fun at all.

Cheers,
Cathi

[ June 22, 2006, 12:08 AM: Message edited by: Optimumsteps ]

Maybe it's an extra weight thing then, because I lost a lot of weight after my hysterectomy. My bladder leakage is what inadvertently brought me to having the hysterectomy.

I think it is probably from many causes. One I know of and think causes my "frequency issues" is from childbearing. I used a birthing chair which I found out later can cause many issues down the road including prolapsed uterus...........which thankfully has not happened as I think I am now "down the road:)"

Based on the research I did for my book, one of the symptoms of menopause is urinary incontinence. It never fails...I wake up like clockwork in the middle of the night (at least twice) to go to the bathroom and then I suffer from insomnia. I learned so much once I started doing research and now I can sit back and say AHHHHH....or UGGGHHHH....or just LOL!

Peace & Blessings,
Beverly Mahone
WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age
www.talk2bev.com

Oh the insomnia is awful. I acutally have chronic fatigue and yet now can't sleep at night unless I take something. And I am one that was into natural health things and didn't like to take medicine unless I absoutely had to ........and now I have to.

How many of the seven dwarfs of menopause have you become acquainted with: There's SWEATY...BLOATED...FORGETFUL....ITCHY...BITCHY...SLEEPY..AND ALL-DRIED UP! ***BLOATED***is my LEAST favorite!!!!

Peace & Blessings,
Beverly Mahone
Author, WHATEVER! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age
www.talk2bev.com

Those dwarfs make the wicked queen look downright delightful!!

springing a leak ... oh my. & i work too, on my feet almost all day. the mornings are the worst, then it tappers off. i still enjoy coffee & know it is also a diuretic ... so i always wear a 'pad' too. it has progressively progressed with my years adding up ... hope it levels off now!

oops ... gotta go
c.l. mareydt

Doesn't it seem like everything is impacted by menopause.... I am right in the middle of it and am getting tired of all the changes... but I love the part about not having my period...

Your posts are all humerous.
Yes education about the fact ladies can leak after the menopause for various reasons needs to come out of the woodwork.There are different kinds of incontinence and different solutions.My best help was an excellent physiotherapist .Lately I heard botox was being used in some trials.
Mountain Ash

Ouch, exactly what and where were they injecting with the botox??

Where do you think? Yes that's right.
(In the neck of the bladder) It has to be repeated done the line.
Mountain Ash

Good grief! What does it do, make your bladder look pretty? Mahahah...ahem. Okay, okay...but I couldn't resist.

JJ

I think I've heard it all now....

I did an online nursing continuing education last night on this subject since I had seen it on the forum. Aside from some technical terms...you ladies know as much as the experts.

Basically there are many possible causes of incontinence and difficulty emptying the bladder that occurs during our boomer years. So it's always best to have it checked out.

I'm wondering about the botox. It paralyzes muscles so that must be how it works. I can just hear me on a date now...

he: "You look very old--are you sure you're only 35?"

me: "Don't let my face fool you--here have a look at my bladder!"

sorry JJ got me riled up!

Jane, as you know...she has a habit of doing that. I'm off to do a botx/bladder search to see what I can find.

Amazing. Here's one article at this link:

http://www.bcm.edu/findings/vol2/is2/04feb_n3.htm

Seriously girls...I wonder (and care) about previous generations of women.Did they even share concerns about bladders or did they suffer in silence.
We are so lucky to have the forum to share.
Mountain Ash

Now thats an interesting picture for the imagination, ha,ha,ha!!!

They were too busy slaving over a wood stove, fighting off the indians, and raising crops to wonder about bladders, menopause, or anything else. Getting scalped was their biggest concern.

mountain, great thought. We take all this communicating stuff for granted!

JJ still picturing some poor woman running from an Indian holding her hair...When thats going on a leaky bladder is the last thing she'd notice. Besides she would probably be pi--ing her pants from sheer fear. I know I would!!!

Weak bladder and added years, seem to go hand-in-hand. I've done sit-ups 5 days a week, for years. Still, I have some problems every now and again. I lift weights. And I walk a couple miles a day. And yet I have problems. I know lots of women, who've gone or are going through menopause who have problems with the bladder. In fact, lots of women at all ages have that problem. I'd even venture to say, "It's a women thing." So, you're not alone.
Some of it could be structural: cramps, period, then menopause. But I doubt if a man has a clue what we gals suffer. It might be wise to ask a female doctor about this particular discomfort. Good luck!!!

fyi, Indian women talked about menopause. I grew up listening to the elders, and I heard many women discuss it.
In the old days they were too busy running from the guys with the yellow stripe on their pant leg to live long enough to worry about menopause.

I only recently found out that it is possible to have a "prolapse" after hysterectomy.I believed once I had the op then I was set for life.
As our bodies change we must get to know them again in their new state.
I am to see a gynae/uroligist soon and will learn more...will share what I find out..
any one with addition knowledge.
Mountain ash

Mountain, I think it happens due to the lack of estrogen. The walls weaken and organs begin to fall. Ask you doctor if taking estrogen would help. I think it will. I know soemone this happened to and there was a significant difference once on estrogen.

Dotsie
yes that makes sense...but then what about the risk of breast cancer.HRT was a Godsend after my hysterectomy..(did you know you could flush over and over for hours...)but reaching magic 60 in 2006 I phased taking premarin out.
However maybe someone knows of natural hormone?
Mountain ash

Dotsie,
I know someone who stopped taking estrogen because of a report that it caused cancer? I know those scientific studies are often reversed years later, so I guess woman don't really know what to do. I exercise. But still I have problems, once-in-a-while.
Ciao for now,
B. Rose

You should check out the estrogen cream. I beleive that's a way to get estrogen more naturally.