When a woman begins menopause, a process that can last almost 10 years, there is very little education provided on what to expect and what you can do to improve symptoms. You may have a quick, yearly appointment with your gynecologist during which you are provided with lubricant or estrogen and then sent on your way to manage your symptoms alone.
Women deserve better.
Many symptoms of menopause can be improved with pelvic floor PT
When people think about menopause, we usually think of hormonal changes, hot flashes and difficulty sleeping. A newer term, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, encompasses the less talked about symptoms that many women experience during menopause.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause describes the common symptoms that present in the peri and postmenopausal years. There are many options for management ranging from conservative care such as physical therapy to medical interventions. Genital symptoms include burning, dryness, atrophy and irritation to the vulva (external genital region) and vagina (internal canal). Sexual symptoms include decreased libido, pain, and lack of lubrication. Urinary symptoms include urgency, painful urination and recurrent UTIs.
Pelvic floor physical therapy should be a standard of care during menopause. Pelvic floor physical therapists are trained to help you improve bladder leakage, pain with intercourse and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse such as vaginal bulging sensation. Treatments include education on your symptoms, full body strengthening with special attention to the hips, abdomen and pelvic floor muscles, manual therapy, relaxation techniques and education on how to address pain with intercourse.
