It’s time to lift the taboo and talk about menopause and bladder weakness. Firstly, what is the menopause? This physiological period in the life of every woman marks the end of reproductive activity, involving changes not only physically, but also hormonally, psychologically and socially. Menopause doesn’t occur abruptly, but rather gradually with a series of symptoms that help you realise that something in your body is changing.
What can I expect during menopause?
The decrease in oestrogen hormones during menopause can cause symptoms such as hot flushes that involve a sudden sensation of heat, accompanied by sweating and redness of the face. In some cases, hot flushes are followed by a strong sensation of cold. Other symptoms are fatigue, mood swings, insomnia, anxiety and depression. Bladder weakness is another common one, occurring due to the reduction of oestrogen. This results in the walls of the bladder weakening, along with the pelvic muscles, which are responsible for controlling the bladder.
How can I minimise bladder weakness?
It’s important to follow a controlled diet to counteract natural weight gain and to introduce therapeutic action foods, such as those rich in antioxidants and calcium. It’s also recommended that you eat foods high in vegetable oestrogens, such as tofu and soy milk, and proteins of vegetable origin, available in cereals and legumes which, at the same time, provide fibre, iron, zinc and copper.
It’s essential to identify appropriate and personalised hormone therapy. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can reduce symptoms and, at the same time, protect against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Some women benefit from pelvic floor exercises, which can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and provide greater control of the bladder. To learn how to do these exercises, read the HARTMANN Direct article and watch the video online here.
Remember that you’re not alone
When women begin to experience bladder weakness, it can be disheartening and can have an impact on their emotional wellbeing and quality of life. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Talk to others, and find the best solution to help you manage daily life. HARTMANN Direct helps thousands of women manage their bladder weakness every day. It offers one of the broadest ranges of pads and underwear, in feminine and discreet styles, so that you don’t feel as though you’ve lost your femininity. HARTMANN Direct is a specialist in all matters related to bladder weakness and can help guide you to the best solution to manage it.
Visit the website or call HARTMANN Direct on 0800 028 9470 for:
- Product advice
- Read articles
- Try a sample
- Buy pads and underwear online
Plus, the company is offering an exclusive 20 percent discount off your order when you use the code ‘HealthandWellbeing’ at the checkout.
HARTMANN Direct has also partnered with the Bladder & Bowel Community to provide a new free Continence Advice Service. Whether you’ve recently started experiencing bladder weakness, or have a long-term ongoing condition, you can use its service for personal, discreet advice online. Visit the Continence Advice Service at bladderandbowel.org
