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Declining levels of oestrogen often weaken the pelvic muscles, leading to incontinency and infection. Many women do not even realise that the culprit behind their bladder condition is the menopause. However, our menopause expert Eileen Durward addresses the difficult issue of bladder weakness in the menopause and how it can be eased through herbal remedies and self-support exercises.
Having a weak bladder can be an embarrassing condition which can affect your day-to-day living, especially if you have to plan your day around toilet stops. Many women do not realise that their condition may be a symptom of the menopause.
A weak bladder results in urinary incontinence, a condition where you unintentionally pass urine. The bladder is kept closed by pelvic floor muscles. When the bladder is full, a signal is sent to the brain to tell it to allow the pelvic floor muscles to relax when you are ready. Problems can lie either with the messaging system to the brain, or with the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. In the case of the menopause, urinary incontinence is likely to arise because of weakened pelvic muscles.
During the menopause, your hormone levels begin to fluctuate, and this can have unexpected effects on your body. Most notably, the levels of the hormone oestrogen drop. Oestrogen is important for keeping your urethra and bladder healthy. A significant reduction in the level of this hormone may mean that your pelvic floor muscles naturally weaken. When you put them under strain, such as when you laugh or cough, you may be unable to prevent urination.
In addition, you may be more prone to developing urine infections. Oestrogen keeps the urinary tract tissue stronger and more able to fight off bacteria. When the levels of oestrogen drop, you are more susceptible to developing an infection.
Home remedies for a weak bladder focus on strengthening the pelvic muscles, and if this can be achieved, then the most effective relief is likely to be found.
Kegel Exercises are effective and discrete, and should be carried out several times a day. It is important that you can identify which muscles you are trying to strengthen. If you can stop urinating midstream, then these are the right muscles.
You should not stop urination midstream too often, as this will weaken the muscles in the long run. Instead, once you have identified the muscles, you should practice relaxing and contracting them on an empty bladder.
Additionally, what you eat can affect your bladder. Caffeine is notorious for worsening incontinence, as it acts as a diuretic. Additionally, artificial sweeteners can result in an increasing need to urinate. Instead you should aim to maintain a healthy weight, as this puts less pressure on your pelvic muscles, and a healthy diet, as this will help to balance the levels of fluids in your body.
There are certain herbal remedies you can use alongside home remedies to help with your weak bladder. Uva-ursi, also known as Bearberry, is one of Alfred Vogel’s first herbal remedies. It has antiseptic properties and is effective in aiding urinary tract health.
What is important to remember is that your weak bladder may be a symptom of the menopause, and so looking for support with the menopause is likely to bring relief from these other symptoms. Soy isoflavones mimic the effect of oestrogen in the body, reducing the severity of menopause symptoms. It can be found in herbal remedies such as Menosan® Menopause Support.
If you are concerned about your condition, or it is interfering with your daily life, then it is worth speaking to your doctor. If you have not found home and herbal remedies to be effective, then your doctor may recommend certain types of medication such as oxybutynin or vesicare. If your incontinence is severe, your doctor may suggest various types of surgery, but will discuss with you if this is the most appropriate form of treatment.
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![Lisa's photo avatar](https://s.gravatar.com/avatar/297ee7c77e4a370d2ea7fb66a671906c?s=80&r=g&d=mm)
Lisa — 20.09.2017 18:33
Hi I'm 48 and had stress incontinence for several years finally referred to hospital after other efforts failed and now referred for surgery as tests proved the stress incontinence. But bizarrely in last few months it's eased off and I seem ok?! Scared to talk to hospital incase they sign me off as surely it'll return, but don't want surgery if waste of time and nhs money if symptoms have got strangely better. I've started menopause over last 18-24 months but thought this would make it worse not better? Hospital pressed me for surgery choice so went for bulking injections but only as less invasive seeings what's going on. Plus mesh having bad press at present. Why has symptoms improved, how long will it last, what should I do about hospital? Please help!
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![eileen's photo avatar](https://s.gravatar.com/avatar/87b32a370caeb3eb08164deaa97c54db?s=80&r=g&d=mm)
eileen — 22.09.2017 09:08
Hi Lisa
Falling oestrogen (which can start a few years before the menopause) can weaken the bladder valve leading to stress incontinence but as your body slowly adapts to lower oestrogen, as you move towards the end, symptoms can resolve so this is not really surprising!
I would see your doctor about this and they can probably tell you whether to still go ahead. Glad to hear that you have not opted for the mesh, the results for many women have been horrendous and I am surprised that it is still available!
In order to maintain this situation I would suggest going to see a Pilates instructor for a private lesson. They can give you very specific exercises to do that will help to stabilise and strengthen the bladder.
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![Colleen's photo avatar](https://s.gravatar.com/avatar/bf18a103430ca476aa3bf24c2e84c781?s=80&r=g&d=mm)
Colleen — 20.07.2017 00:33
No period for a year now..weaker bladder i find myself going to every restroom in an amusement park. Nausea started last week it was slight now this week its harsh. I can eat a little sometimes it helps sometimes no. Not sleeping good at all should i go see a gynocologist? 45 years old
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![eileen's photo avatar](https://s.gravatar.com/avatar/87b32a370caeb3eb08164deaa97c54db?s=80&r=g&d=mm)
eileen — 20.07.2017 12:29
Hi Colleen
Weak bladder is really common in the menopause unfortunately, but you can do the self-help tips. Nausea is often helped by doing a little liver support so you could take Milk Thistle Complex for a couple of months to see if that helps. Dehydration and low blood sugars can do this too so remember to drink lots of plain water and eat little and often. Try, also to avoid high fat foods until your liver calms down.
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