Menopause and Its Impact on Urinary Health

Medically Reviewed byDr. Saranne PermanMD

Updated11/12/24

Article Content

Declining hormone levels during menopause lead to a host of physical changes, many of which affect the urinary system. It’s common for women to experience urinary incontinence (UI) and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) during this phase, both of which can bring about significant discomfort and disruption to daily life. The combination of weakened pelvic muscles and thinning of the urinary tract lining makes UI and UTIs more likely. However, by taking proactive steps — whether through lifestyle adjustments or medical interventions — these issues can often be managed, improving comfort and overall quality of life during menopause.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾⁽⁴⁾

Menopausal hormone changes can result in several urinary health struggles. Here are the five most common:⁽²⁾⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽⁷⁾⁽⁸⁾

Urinary Incontinence (UI) is the involuntary leakage of urine, often caused by weakened pelvic muscles or increased bladder pressure.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) refer to more frequent infections that occur due to changes in the vaginal and urinary microbiomes.
Overactive Bladder (OAB) is characterized by urgency and frequent urination, which is often caused by overactive or irritated bladder muscles.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse occurs when weakened pelvic muscles cause pelvic organs to shift or drop, increasing the likelihood of urinary problems.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a collection of symptoms affecting the genital and urinary systems, leading to issues like vaginal dryness, irritation, and UI and UTIs.

How to Prevent Urinary Issues During Menopause

Taking preventive steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing urinary issues during menopause. The following are a few practical strategies:

Strengthening the Pelvic Floor

Performing pelvic floor exercises, commonly known as Kegels, can significantly reduce the risk of urinary incontinence. By regularly contracting and releasing the pelvic muscles that support the bladder and urethra, women can strengthen these muscles and enhance bladder control. It’s recommended to practice Kegels daily for optimal results.⁽²⁾⁽⁷⁾

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, places additional pressure on the bladder, which can worsen incontinence. Weight management through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can help alleviate this strain on the bladder and pelvic muscles.⁽⁵⁾⁽⁷⁾

Hydrating Appropriately

Drinking enough water — around eight glasses a day — is essential for flushing bacteria out of the urinary tract, which can help prevent UTIs. However, it’s important to balance hydration to avoid overloading the bladder, as this may increase urgency and incontinence.⁽⁴⁾⁽⁸⁾

Eating More Fiber for Constipation Relief

Constipation can exert pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of UI. A high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promotes digestive health and reduces the risk of constipation, indirectly benefiting urinary health.⁽⁶⁾⁽⁷⁾

Limiting Bladder Irritants

Certain substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, can irritate the bladder and increase the frequency and urgency of urination. Reducing or eliminating these drinks may help control overactive bladder symptoms and prevent urinary leaks.⁽⁶⁾⁽⁷⁾

Practicing Good UTI Prevention Habits

Holding urine for too long can strain the bladder, and incomplete emptying can leave room for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of UTIs. To reduce the incidence of UTIs, it’s important to urinate before and after sexual activity, always wipe from front to back, and wear breathable cotton underwear. These practices help prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract, thereby reducing the risk of infections.⁽²⁾⁽³⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽⁷⁾

Best Treatments for Urinary Health During Menopause

When preventive measures fall short, there are several treatment options available to manage urinary issues related to menopause. These treatments can help improve bladder function while also reducing the occurrence of UTIs and incontinence.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

HRT in the form of patches, pills, or body creams can be highly effective in managing menopause-related urinary issues. By supplementing estrogen levels, HRT can improve the health of the urethra and vaginal tissues, strengthen the pelvic floor, and reduce the occurrence of UI. It also helps restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vaginal area, lowering the risk of UTIs.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾⁽⁴⁾

Vaginal Estrogen Therapy

Vaginal estrogen creams can specifically target the genitourinary symptoms of menopause. These localized estrogen therapies are effective at rebuilding the thickness and elasticity of the vaginal and urethral tissues, helping to prevent infections and support bladder control. They are especially recommended for women who experience recurrent issues and are particularly useful for reducing the risk of both UI and UTIs.⁽¹⁾⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾

Lifestyle Adjustments

Lifestyle changes, including weight management, adequate hydration, and dietary adjustments, can reduce the severity of urinary symptoms. Preventive methods, like those mentioned earlier, can help alleviate discomfort even when past the point of prevention.⁽⁵⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽⁷⁾

Bladder Training

Bladder training involves creating a schedule for urination to gradually increase the time between bathroom visits. This therapy helps women regain control over their bladder function and reduces the frequency of sudden urges to urinate commonly associated with an overactive bladder.⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾⁽⁶⁾⁽⁷⁾

Anticholinergic Medications

In certain cases, anticholinergic medications may help women with overactive bladder by calming the bladder muscles and reducing urgency and frequency. These medications work by blocking nerve signals that trigger bladder contractions, providing relief for women with more severe OAB symptoms.⁽⁴⁾⁽⁹⁾

Antibiotics for UTIs

For women with recurrent UTIs, short courses of antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infections. However, long-term or frequent use of antibiotics should be avoided due to the risk of antibiotic resistance. In some cases, low-dose antibiotics may be used preventively to manage chronic infections.⁽²⁾⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Women seeking additional support for weakened pelvic muscles can benefit from pelvic floor therapy led by a physical therapist. This treatment involves personalized exercises and techniques to strengthen the pelvic floor, aiding in better bladder control and reducing symptoms of incontinence.⁽¹⁰⁾

Urinary Health in a Nutshell

Menopause often brings a variety of urinary health challenges, but the strategies outlined above can help manage these issues and support overall health throughout this transition. Treatment approaches such as HRT, pelvic floor exercises, and even small lifestyle changes can have a significant impact. By being proactive and exploring the most suitable treatment options, women can not only improve their quality of life but also find relief from the urinary concerns that often accompany menopause.

Experiencing menopausal urinary issues? Discover if HRT is right for you.

If you’ve entered the menopause transition and are struggling with urinary symptoms, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Take our brief menopause quiz to see if you’re an eligible candidate for HRT. Get started with Winona to take the first step toward feeling better.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.