menopause

Perimnopause

What is it?

Perimenopause is the term used to describe the period where we are transitioning from our reproductive years into our menopausal or non reproductive years.

During this time we undergo many changes due to altered hormone production and release.

What are the symptoms?

During the typical 3-4 years of perimenopause before entering into menopause, symptoms can be varied and irregular. Some women experience extremely bothersome symptoms, where as other women may experience little to none, such as:

  • Periods my be irregular, missed, heavy or lighter than usual
  • Hot flashes & sleep problems
  • Mood changes
  • Urinary urgency
  • Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse

How do you know if you’re perimenopausal?

Due to the irregular nature of hormone release during this period, it is not possible to detect with a simple blood test and is often overlooked.

It can be extremely frustrating and confusing when you are told you are not going through this phase, when you are experiencing changes and bothersome symptoms but have no answers as to why.

It is therefore important that you listen to your body and seek help or advise on how best to deal with these symptoms, to minimise the impact on your life, and maximise your physical and mental health.

Menopause

What is it?

Menopause is defined as the stage where the ovaries completely stop producing reproductive hormones. You are deemed officially in menopause once you have not had a menstrual period for 12 months.

The average age women enter into menopause is 51. However this varies from early onset at 41- late onset into our mid fifties.

What does it mean for me?

As well as the commonly known symptoms such as hot flashes, menopause can cause symptoms that you may not think are related. You may even be seeking treatment for conditions that may seem like regular muscle or multiple joint pain, tendon pain, fatigue etc. however may actually be related to menopausal hormonal changes impact on the body as a whole.

Symptoms may include:

  • Loss of bone mineral density
  • Joint pain: often multiple joints
  • Tendon pain - hip, achilles, knee cap / patella
  • Loss of strength or muscle mass
  • Reduced health of blood vessels
  • Onset of Urinary incontinence (leaking)
  • Increased urinary frequency or Urgency - Sleep disturbances
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Painful or non - pleasurable intercourse
  • Hot flashes and or night sweats
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Mood changes: anger, irritability, anxiety, depression, loss of concentration / brain fog

Seeking help

At WHM we are well trained in treating these conditions and providing you with the best evidence-based treatment plans.

We approach menopause wholistically, including education and advice to help you through this stage… while maintaining your wellness and allowing you to do still do the things you love! They say life starts at 50!

Book an appointment

Bladder dysfunction

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Urge urinary incontinence
  • Stress incontinence
  • Mixed
  • Nocturia
  • Frequency
  • Incomplete emptying
  • Prolapse
  • Interstitial Cystitis (IC) / Bladder Pain Syndrome
  • Urinary retention
  • Pre & Post Gynaecological surgery rehabilitation

1 in 3 women experience incontinence at some stage in their life. Incontinence is the lack of voluntary control over urination. It can occur during activities that increase abdominal pressure like running, jumping, lifting and laughing. Whilst it is common, incontinence should never be considered a normal part of the aging or post natal experience.

Incontinence is manageable and can resolve or be improved with treatment no matter your age or physical condition. Physiotherapy is one of the best first line treatments for incontinence – surgery is not the only option in many cases.
Research shows that 84% of women who suffer from incontinence can cure themselves with pelvic floor exercises.

Book Apointment

Bowel dysfunction

Bowel dysfunction refers to any abnormal change in your bowel habits or function. It may include:
  • Incomplete emptying of bowels
  • Difficulty emptying your bowels
  • Soiling your underwear
  • Inability to hold gas or faecal incontinence
  • Increased bowel frequency or urgency
  • Reduced rectal sensation
  • Pain before, during or after a bowel motion

Physiotherapy treatment for Bowel Dysfunction:

During your physiotherapy assessment we will ask you specific questions about your bowels, diet, fluid intake and pelvic health. If appropriate and with your consent we may assess your pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles via real time ultrasound or internal examination. This examination allows us to tailor a rehabilitation program specifically for you.
Scroll to Top