Pelvic Floor Care and Changes During Perimenopause and Menopause

As women transition through perimenopause and menopause, many notice subtle—or sometimes significant—changes in how their body feels and functions. One area that’s often overlooked but deeply affected during this time is the pelvic floor.

At our women’s and pelvic health osteopathy clinic, we help women navigate these changes with confidence, comfort, and care. Understanding what’s happening and how to support your body can make a big difference in your long-term pelvic health and quality of life.

What Happens to the Pelvic Floor During Perimenopause and Menopause?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. These tissues are rich in oestrogen receptors, meaning they’re highly responsive to hormonal changes.

During perimenopause and menopause, declining oestrogen levels can lead to:

• Reduced muscle tone and elasticity

• Thinning of vaginal and pelvic tissues (known as vaginal atrophy)

• Changes in connective tissue support around the bladder and bowel

• Altered pelvic organ mobility

These changes can contribute to symptoms such as:

• Urinary leakage or urgency

• Heaviness or dragging sensations (possible signs of pelvic organ prolapse)

• Pain or discomfort with intimacy

• Constipation or bowel changes

• A general sense of weakness or loss of core stability

  • It's important to note that there can be increased tension in the muscles and connective tissue, even with weakness.

Why Pelvic Floor Care Matters

Taking care of your pelvic floor during this stage of life can prevent and ease many of these symptoms. A strong, well-coordinated pelvic floor supports continence, posture, and core strength—and contributes to sexual comfort and confidence.

However, pelvic floor care isn’t just about doing endless “Kegels.” It’s about learning how to relax and strengthen in balance, improve breathing patterns, and release tension that may build up from years of stress, posture changes, childbirth and general daily life.

How Osteopathy Can Help

Osteopaths trained in women’s and pelvic health can provide a holistic approach to supporting your pelvic floor and hormonal transition.

We can:

• Assess the mobility and alignment of your pelvis, spine, and hips to reduce tension and improve pelvic support

• Release restrictions in surrounding muscles and connective tissues

• Provide guidance on pelvic floor coordination and breathing techniques

• Offer lifestyle and movement advice tailored to your stage of life

• Work collaboratively with other practitioners, such as pelvic health physiotherapists, if needed

  
  

Osteopathic treatment may help improve blood flow, tissue mobility, and nervous system regulation—creating an optimal environment for pelvic health and overall wellbeing.

Supporting Yourself at Home

In addition to osteopathic care, you can support your pelvic floor by:

• Staying active

• Include weight-bearing exercise

• Avoiding straining during bowel movements (use a footstool to elevate your feet)

• Practising mindful breathing and relaxation

• Maintaining hydration and balanced nutrition

• Seeking early support for any bladder, bowel, or pelvic symptoms

You Don’t Have to “Put Up With It”

Pelvic floor changes during perimenopause and menopause are common—but not something you have to accept as “just part of getting older.” With the right support, you can move through this stage with strength, ease, and confidence.

If you’re noticing pelvic floor changes or discomfort, our clinic offers gentle, evidence-informed osteopathic care tailored to women’s health needs.

✨ Book an appointment today and take the next step toward restoring comfort, balance, and confidence in your body.