Symptoms of menopause
"What's going on with me?" is the most common question women have during perimenopause and menopause. “Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” would be the second most common question.
Some women have many of these symptoms of menopause; others have very few. Some really lucky ones have none at all. Here is a list of some of the most common menopausal symptoms — plus some tips on how you can cope with them. Be sure to discuss your symptoms or any others concerns with your healthcare provider.
Changes in urination
Many women find that they have to urinate more frequently as they get older. Also, the bladder control muscles may weaken from lack of estrogen; and pressure from coughing, sneezing, or lifting can push urine though the weakened muscle. Up to 30% of women in midlife experience stress incontinence — or urine leakages — when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or lifting.
What you can do: Many healthcare professionals recommend women perform pelvic floor muscle exercises, or Kegel exercises, to help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. To do these, tighten your pubococcygeus, or "PC" muscles, which are the muscles you would tighten if you were to intentionally stop your urine flow. Tighten and hold these muscles for a count of 10; then relax. Do this ten times, three times a day. Results are typically seen in four to six weeks. Another benefit is that "PC" muscles play a vitally important role in sexual arousal and climax!
