You may have noticed certain pelvic health conditions, such as stress incontinence, prolapse or urgency have either appeared or worsened during your menopause transition. This is due partly to the effects of aging and the reduction in muscle mass (sarcopenia) which occurs from the age of around 35. New symptoms are also related to the fluctuation and decline in levels of the oestrogen hormone, which is usually in abundance through the urogenital area. Due to this reduction, connective tissue becomes thinner, less well hydrated and less elastic which can lead to an array of symptoms.

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Astonishingly only 7% of women seek help during this period, many don’t. This could be out of embarrassment, or because you presume or are told that these issues are a natural feature of ageing, or because things have been going steadily downhill for some time and you have become accustomed to the symptoms.

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Having an internal examination of the pelvic floor, and assessment of core and global strength, can really help with accurate diagnosis and treatment so that symptoms may be greatly improved.

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A Menopause MOT assessment will cover:

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-Pelvic floor dysfunction such as stress urinary incontinence, urinary or bowel urgency, pain with intercourse (dyspareunia)

-Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)

-Vaginal atrophy and dryness

-Changes in global strength, abdominal strength, mobility

​-An internal vaginal assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance and tone

-Assessment for vaginal atrophy and dryness

-Assessment for pelvic organ prolapse

-Assessment of global strength of the upper and lower limbs, abdominal and core strength, general mobility

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Treatment Options

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Management of a condition is always varied and based on my findings. Examples of what treatment may involve at a Menopause MOT session are:

Pelvic floor rehab (either focusing on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles (Kegals), or on breathwork and relaxation exercises to gently lengthen and reduce tension in the muscles which may be contributing to pain).

If appropriate, I may provide recommendations and samples of evidenced based devices, lubricants or adjuncts such as a NMES (neuro muscular e-stimulation)  machine or pessary inserts etc. I may provide a bladder diary, or work on posture and core/glute strength with you. There are many more treatments offered.

Following the assessment, I will provide a full summary, and an exercise programme tailored to you.   I will also be able to liaise with your preferred fitness professional to help with continuity of your care, and I am always happy to write to your GP if onward referral is required, or if a medical matter needs attention.