Menopause and Skin

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, and often involves uncomfortable changes, including changes to female pelvic floor health. We offer effective solutions in a supportive, women-led environment to restore comfort and strength so you can navigate these changes with ease and greater confidence. Pre-menopausal and postmenopausal women can all benefit from our targeted therapies tailored to their unique needs and health goals.

How Menopause Affects Pelvic Floor Muscles

Menopause weakens pelvic floor function as estrogen levels decrease. Estrogen is a hormone that maintains strength, elasticity, and muscle tone in the pelvic muscles and supports blood flow to the vaginal walls and bladder. As estrogen levels drop, tissues thin and lose lubrication, leading to irritation and weakness. Loss of elasticity in the connective tissues is also related to decreased collagen production and natural muscle loss as we age. Because the pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, almost creating a hammock structure, pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to many related symptoms like urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control), painful sex, and pelvic pain. Previous stresses from childbirth can exacerbate these pelvic symptoms, which may necessitate treatment to restore optimal health and wellness.

Common Pelvic Floor Symptoms in Menopause

Women in menopause often report bladder control problems, such as leakage during coughing or laughing, due to weakened pelvic support. Reduced tissue flexibility can also lead to constipation or difficulty with bowel movements. Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse become prevalent, sometimes accompanied by burning or itching. Pelvic organ prolapse may cause a sensation of heaviness or bulging in the vagina. Pain in the lower back or pelvis during physical activity is another frequent complaint, and this pain can be worsened by straining during bowel movements. Symptoms vary in intensity but affect almost all women to some degree as they age.

Treatment and Strengthening Options for Pelvic Floor Disorders

Effective treatment for menopause and pelvic floor issues starts with a personalized plan combining exercises, lifestyle changes, and medical interventions. Strengthening the pelvic floor through targeted exercises builds muscle endurance and coordination, and our nonsurgical treatments can compound these benefits. Patients can also consider menopausal hormone therapy along with their treatments to target the root cause of menopausal symptoms. Hormones can be administered in the form of topical estrogen creams, injections, or patches. Lifestyle changes can also support healthy pelvic floor function. Nutrition rich in vitamin D, calcium, and protein supports tissue repair, while weight management reduces pressure on the pelvic area.

At-Home Exercises to Support Pelvic Health

Simple at-home pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor over time, improving many related symptoms such as urinary incontinence and painful sexual intercourse. Kegel exercises involve contracting the muscles you use to stop urine flow, holding for 3-5 seconds, then relaxing for 3-5 seconds; this is repeated 10 times and can be done three times a day. The bridge pose requires you to lie on your back with your knees bent, lifting your hips while squeezing the pelvic floor and holding for ten seconds. Squats with pelvic engagement build lower-body and core support. Deep diaphragmatic breathing coordinates pelvic and abdominal muscles for better control. Child’s pose stretches the pelvic area gently. Be careful to engage the muscles fully without bearing down, and start slow to avoid fatigue. It can be helpful to track your progress weekly to visualize the impact these at-home exercises are making, even when those changes are happening slowly.

Medical and In-Office Treatments

In-office treatments provide significant relief for menopause and pelvic floor challenges when home efforts need a boost. Dr. Tanya Kormeili will work with you to determine the best choice of treatment to meet your needs and help you achieve greater comfort and confidence.

Emsella

Emsella revolutionizes pelvic floor therapy with high-intensity electromagnetic energy that induces thousands of supramaximal contractions per session, equivalent to months of pelvic floor muscle exercises. Patients sit fully clothed in a comfortable chair for 30 minutes while the chair tones deep pelvic muscles, improving incontinence and prolapse symptoms. No preparation or downtime is required, making it convenient for busy schedules. Many notice improved bladder control and more enjoyable sexual intercourse after just a few sessions with long-lasting results.

EmSculpt Neo

Emsculpt Neo works similarly to Emsella, but can also be used to address core strength and damaged abdominal muscles. The powerful Emsculpt technology uses high-intensity electromagnetic energy combined with radiofrequency to stimulate powerful muscle contractions in the abdomen and other areas while gently reducing fat. Stronger abdominal and core muscles help support the spine and pelvis, which can reduce strain on the pelvic floor and improve posture. Many women also appreciate the boost in muscle tone and body confidence at a time when hormonal changes can make weight and shape more difficult to manage.

Botox

Botox is a focused treatment primarily used to treat urinary incontinence. Botox injections are made directly into the bladder wall to relax the bladder muscles and reduce involuntary contractions that cause sudden urges and leaks. It can be used in combination with other treatments or at-home therapies. Treatments are performed with local anesthesia, but patients often drive home the same day and notice relief within 1-2 weeks. Results last six to nine months, with repeat treatments as needed.

When to See a Pelvic Floor Specialist

If pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms are causing a significant disruption in your daily life, we encourage you to reach out to our office or a pelvic floor specialist. Symptoms of pelvic floor problems to be especially aware of include recurrent urinary tract infections, painful sex, or bowel issues. Sudden worsening or new symptoms should be addressed immediately to prevent progression. While we can provide relief with our in-office treatments, we may recommend that you also see a specialist who can assess muscle function, tissue health, and hormonal factors through exams and history. They may prescribe hormone replacement therapy to target other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, or difficulty sleeping.

Book a Pelvic Health Consultation

During menopause, it is important to seek support so that you can continue to enjoy daily activities without discomfort. To learn more about pelvic floor treatments and whether you are a good candidate, schedule your consultation with Dr. Kormeili at our office in Santa Monica, CA.