Menopause and Bladder Problems

You think the hot flashes are bad? Another common symptom of menopause is bladder control problems, also known as urinary incontinence. During perimenopause and menopause, levels of estrogen in the body drop dramatically. Estrogen does things like control the menstrual cycle and body changes during pregnancy; this hormone also helps keep your bladder and urethra healthy. As your body goes through menopause and has less estrogen in action, the pelvic muscles that control your bladder can get weaker. There are different types of bladder control problems that can develop during and after menopause. Perhaps the most common kind of bladder … Continue reading →

What Is Perimenopause?

Okay… I’d never heard of perimenopause until my mother started going through it a few years ago. Perimenopause is the transitional stage in a woman’s reproductive life. It starts when the ovaries start to produce less estrogen, signaling the approach of menopause. For most women, perimenopause starts in the forties. Some women experience it in their thirties, too. The average length of the transitional period is four years, but the actual length may vary greatly from woman to woman. Some women are in perimenopause for only a few months; some are in perimenopause for as long as ten years. Perimenopause … Continue reading →

Dealing With Hot Flashes

The most frequent — and most annoying — symptom of menopause and perimenopause is the dreaded hot flashes. More than two thirds of all women going through perimenopause suffer from hot flashes. Nearly all women with premature menopause or induced menopause suffer from hot flashes. What is a hot flash? Doctors don’t know what causes a hot flash, but some suspect they are related to circulatory changes. Blood vessels near the skin’s surface dilate in an attempt to cool, producing a red, flushed look in the face. You may also perspire as your body attempts to cool down. You may … Continue reading →