Incontinence and peri-menopause

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi everyone,

I have been on the menopause journey for the last 3 years. I'm 47, and have had long breaks between periods (3 - 4 months), hot flushes intermittently, low mood, headaches. Last 3 days I noticed tiny amount of urine leaking out throughout the day. Not enough to leak through underwear but enough to notice that it's wet. It's not from sneezing, coughing or exercise and usually happens after I've been to the toilet. I also woke up this morning with damp underwear so it must have happened at night. Really freaked out, definitely the worst symptom of menopause, if that's the problem. Has anyone had that and have you been able to get to the bottom of it?

Thank you!

2 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Edited

    Yes, this is common in perimenopause, as estrogen levels decrease. The pelvic muscles weaken, which results in urine leakage. I have had this periodically. Doing kegel exercises daily will help to strengthen your pelvic floor and reduce leakage. Give it a try:)

  • Edited

    I definitely cannot hold my urine like I used to. I like to go on long walks and make sure to try to empty my bladder beforehand. There have been times recently though when toward the end of the walk I have to just STOP and not move a muscle or I'll literally start peeing no matter how tightly I try to hold it in. So frustrating and embarrassing.

  • Posted

    yes to this - began last fall (2022). summer of 2022 was my last period, but I've noticed little yellow spots if i wear a liner & wondered if i was dribbling! And the horror story continues that now when i have to really go, i don't have the strength to hold it in - and I've piddled TWICE when trying to get to the bathroom! Now granted, my adult daughter got me laughing so there was no hope for me, but I used to be a camel! My Rheumatologist just confirmed that this is not uncommon at my age (52) & if you've had children, you're far more susceptible to this happening at this age. And those hormones...not playing nice with us!!

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